Narrative Summary - April 2000

April 2000 was warmer than normal, averaging 55.4ºF, 2.7º above normal (52.7ºF). The
warmest April occurred in 1994 and averaged 58.2ºF, while the coolest, in 1955, averaged
47.5ºF. The maximum temperature of 76ºF on April 3 tied the record high maximum for
that date, which also occurred on April 3, 1977. The record on April 3 ended a period of
106 days between daily temperature records (the last record had been set on December
18, 1999). The longest period between records was 111 days - from November 10, 1986
through March 2, 1987.

Precipitation for April 2000 totaled 0.57 in., 139% of normal (0.41 in.). The wettest April,
in 1995, received 1.54 in., while the driest, in 1999, received only a trace. No snowfall
was recorded in April 2000, compared to a normal of a trace. The snowiest April, in 1982,
received 1.0 in., while most Aprils are without snow. Snowfall for the 1999-2000 winter
season was 9.3 in., compared to a normal of 13.8 in. Total precipitation since January 1
was 3.72 in., 162% of normal (2.29 in.).

The average wind speed for April 2000 was 7.9 miles per hour (mph), 1.1 mph below
normal (9.0 mph). The windiest April on record averaged 11.1 mph (1972), while the April
with the lightest winds (1989) averaged 7.4 mph. The peak gust for the month was 43
mph on April 4. The record wind gust for April was 73 mph in 1972.

The monthly climatological data summaries, as well as other information, are available
on the Internet. Address: http://etd.pnl.gov:2080/HMS/. Hanford Site personnel can
access the HMS Intranet site at: http://hms.rl.gov/

For additional information contact:
Ken Burk373-3215
Dana Hoitink372-6414

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.