Have you heard of Winter Field Day (WFD)? It's a communications exercise that takes place on the last weekend of January, and it's loosely modeled after ARRL Field Day.

The weather may not be too challenging for those in southern states, but those in New Hampshire can expect some exciting elements. You can participate in WFD from the comfort of your warm home or venture to a remote location. The event is open to amateurs worldwide, whether alone, with a small group, or a whole club, although most participants are from the United States. To transmit the required exchange, amateur radio operators can use frequencies on the HF, VHF, or UHF bands and any mode, except for FT8, as a digital mode, unlike ARRL Field Day.

Sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association, the event is designed as a casual contest, but it's essential to note that the real goal is to promote the importance of emergency operating preparedness during the potentially challenging winter months. By encouraging hams to test their abilities and equipment in cold-weather conditions, we can ensure that we're ready for anything.