This is big.  For sixty-two years, Mount Washington, N.H. has been home to the world record for the fastest wind gust ever recorded.  Besides being one of the windiest places on Earth, the adverse weather conditions on top of the 6,288 ft. mountain have put Mount Washington on the map as having “the World’s Worst Weather.”  Mount Washington has been a site of weather observations since 1932 with scientists living on the summit year round in the extreme elements.  On April 12, 1934, the famous wind gust of 231 mph was recorded on top the summit and has stayed in the record books ever since…until now.

Mount Washington, N.H.  The summit and observatory are located on the right.

The World Meteorological Organization just accepted a new record for the fastest surface wind gust.  In 1996, Typhoon Olivia caused a 253 mph wind gust on Barrow Island, Australia.  In the years since, a careful review of the methods in which the wind gust was taken, including the type of instrument and calibration, was done to make sure the reading was legitimate.

Even though Mount Washington, N.H. got bumped from the top spot, it is still known as having the highest surface wind in the Northern and Western Hemisphere.  Educators, scientists and students that dwell on top the summit and take daily weather observations are ready for the next big wind gust.  You can check out the Mount Washington Observatory website with the current weather conditions and live webcams here.

Kristin Clark

WeatherNation Meteorologist