There are many locations around the globe where extreme weather occurs, with many of them being exposed mountain summits. The iconic Mt. Washington here in New Hampshire is one of those locations. Its dangerous weather conditions have been studied since the 1800s. In early February 2023, a brief but extraordinary event drove conditions on the state’s highest peak to their coldest ever.
New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington is not only the highest peak in the state at 6,288 feet, but also the highest in the northeastern U.S. For hundreds of years, it has been a place revered by scientists, artists, and explorers.
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A great convergence happens over the mountain where several storm tracks meet to produce some of the most erratic and dangerous weather on the planet, which can occur in any month of the year. Washington once held the world record for highest wind speed, 231 mph, measured on April 12, 1934.
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In calm and hospitable winter weather, the summit of Mt. Washington can be a place of amazing beauty. The rime-covered boulders, undercast, and alpenglow all combine to present an otherworldly experience.
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More often that not, however, winter weather is not hospitable enough for hikers to reach the summit, nor should they attempt to do so in poor conditions. As of 2019, more than 160 people have perished on the mountain due to poor planning and lack of preparedness.
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During the early morning hours of February 4, 2023, as a blast of arctic air moved through the region, an extraordinary event occurred. Weather observers on the summit recorded an ambient air temperature of -47 F and a wind chill of -108 F.
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This intense cold was driven by winds up to 127 mph and set a new record for lowest wind chill in the U.S., plunging below the previous recorded wind chill of -103 F.
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As quickly as the frigid blast had swept through, it was replaced by more seasonal air and the event was over. Mt. Washington, however, permanently added another entry to its list of historic weather events.
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With this event, Mt. Washington’s reputation as home to some of the world’s most severe weather remains intact! To keep up with what the weather observers are up to on the summit, visit the MWOBS website and follow the team on Facebook for the latest information.
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New Hampshire has had its share of unusual weather events in recent years. The state was struck by a massive flood in 2006 and a 2011 blizzard dumped almost three feet of snow. These events have also racked up a lot of dollars in damage!
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Address: Mount Washington, Mt Washington, Sargent’s Purchase, NH 03846, USA
