Learn why Mount Washington is home of the world's worst weather at Dover Public Library

posted on 3/7/2025

Weather at the highest point in the northeastern United States can get a bit crazy. Wind has been recorded at 231 miles per hour, the average snowfall is about 42 feet per year, and temperatures can drop as low as minus 47 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's no surprise that Mount Washington has been called the "Home of the World's Worst Weather." Join Dover Public Library on Wednesday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. to learn about the unique life and work of the weather observers stationed on Mount Washington. Brian Fitzgerald, Mount Washington Observatory's director of education, will explore their day-to-day activities while also explaining why Mount Washington hosts some of the worst weather on Earth for a mountain its size.

This program will be held in Room 306 of the McConnell Center, located at 61 Locust St. in Dover. For directions on how to locate the library in its temporary location, visit tinyurl.com/DPLrenovation for maps and video tours.

Before becoming the observatory's director of education, Fitzgerald served as a summit intern and weather observer/education specialist, helping to deliver educational programs and tours on the summit. In addition to his experiences on "the Rockpile," Fitzgerald has worked as Blue Hill Observatory's chief weather observer, and as a hut croo and naturalist for the Appalachian Mountain Club's backcountry huts. He holds a bachelor's degree in environmental conservation studies from the University of New Hampshire and a master of education in science education from Boston University.

This event is free and open to the public. 

For more information, visit the library's website at library.dover.nh.gov or call 603-516-6050. The library has moved to the McConnell Center for up to a year while the main building is being renovated. You can find the Children's Room in Room 305 while Adult and Teen services will be located in the McConnell Center's cafeteria. 

Library hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday noon-4 p.m.