Urgent Winter Weather Insights Shared at Key Events in NH

UPDATE: The Mount Washington Observatory is sharing critical insights on winter weather trends just as the season begins to unfold. Officials from the Observatory, including meteorologists, gathered at two pivotal events in New Hampshire this December to discuss snowfall predictions and climate impacts, emphasizing the urgency of accurate forecasting.

At the Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop (ESAW) held on December 2, 2025, in Fryeburg, Maine, Mount Washington Observatory representatives addressed a packed audience of backcountry enthusiasts and safety professionals. The focus was on the complexities of forecasting snowfall accumulations in the White Mountains. The event serves as a crucial professional development opportunity, where participants learn about the latest in avalanche safety and weather forecasting.

During his presentation, an Observatory meteorologist detailed the myriad environmental factors influencing snowfall, including moisture content, wind speed, and temperature profiles. “Predicting snowfall is one of the most challenging aspects of operational weather forecasting,” he stated, highlighting the limitations of numerical weather prediction models, which often fail to capture the fine details that dictate snowfall amounts.

Less than a week later, on December 7, 2025, the Observatory team attended the SkiNH winter kickoff event at McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester, NH. This gathering drew winter stakeholders, including U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander and Gov. Kelly Ayotte, where the anticipated winter conditions for 2025-26 were discussed. The excitement in the room was palpable when the NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s outlook was shared, predicting a cold and snowy December, which was met with cheers from the winter sports community.

As attendees eagerly awaited snowy conditions, the meteorologist warned of more abrupt temperature swings expected throughout the winter. “We are likely to see stark warm-ups followed by dramatic arctic outbreaks,” he explained, underscoring the impact of climate change trends on New Hampshire’s weather patterns.

The importance of accurate weather communication cannot be overstated, especially for the myriad of outdoor professionals and enthusiasts who rely on timely information. “It’s easy to forget how many eyes are watching from the summit when immersed in model data,” the meteorologist reflected. “Our work directly influences backcountry safety, tourism, and even local policy.”

As winter progresses, the Observatory will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates. With the stakes high for recreationalists and local economies, the accurate prediction of snowfall and temperature changes is essential. The Mount Washington Observatory remains committed to its mission of science communication, ensuring that the public receives timely and precise information during this critical season.

Stay tuned for further updates as the winter unfolds, and prepare for what promises to be an eventful season in the White Mountains.