Winter Weather — Southern Coos, New Hampshire

2022-06-18 · Southern Coos, New Hampshire

Event narrative

A man who was attempting to hike in the high alpine zone of the Presidential Mountain range was unprepared for the extreme late season cold weather in June to include single digit wind chill values. The individual became cold, wet and unable to continue on the evening of June 18th. He was able to call for help, but was unresponsive when he was found and later succumbed to his injuries. The cause of death was hypothermia.

Wider weather episode

An anomalous upper level low pressure system dropped down into New Hampshire on the 18th of June. The system brought well below normal temperatures, especially across the higher terrain of Northern New Hampshire. Snow showers and sleet were observed above 4000ft with air temperatures in the 30s. In addition, very strong wind gusts up to 70 mph were occurring, which led to wind chill readings down into the upper single digits on the evening of June 18th. The weather conditions were very dangerous across the higher terrain for those not dressed for the conditions.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1040361. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.