Narrative Summary - October 2009

October 2009 was much cooler than normal, averaging 50.2ºF, 2.8º below normal (53.0ºF). The warmest
October (1988) averaged 59.6ºF, while the coolest (1984) averaged 47.9ºF. October 2009 tied for the
fourth coolest October on record since 1945, and there had been only eight Octobers with an average
temperature below 51.0ºF. The following temperature records were established during October 2009:

			New		Old 
Date 	Category	Record          Record		Year
 10	Low Maximum	 50		 50		1962  Tie
 10	Low Minimum	 29		 33		1959
 11	Low Maximum	 50		 52		1968+others
 11	Low Minimum	 21		 30		1960
 12	Low Maximum	 44		 54		1966
 12	Low Minimum	 29		 29		2002  Tie
 13	Low Maximum	 45		 57		1969

Precipitation for October 2009 totaled 0.78 inch, 159% of normal (0.49 inch). The wettest October
(1957) received 2.72 inches, while the driest (1987 and earlier years) received only a trace. Total
precipitation for 2009 (through October) is 4.20 inches, 86% of normal (4.89 inches).

The average wind speed for October 2009 was 8.0 miles per hour (mph), which was 1.5 mph above
normal (6.5 mph). The windiest October (1946) averaged 9.1 mph, while the October with the lightest
winds (1952) averaged 4.4 mph. The peak gust for October 2009 was 46 mph on October 4. The record
wind gust for October was 72 mph in 1997.

The monthly climatological data summaries, as well as other information, are available on the Internet.
Address: http://hms.pnl.gov/

For additional information contact:
Ken Burk373-3215
HMS Staff373-2716

Note: The information in this summary pertains specifically to
the Hanford Meteorology Station (HMS), which is located
approximately 25 miles northwest of Richland, Washington. No
attempt should be made to infer meteorological conditions at other
locations from these data.