Narrative Summary - April 2004

The average temperature for April 2004 was warmer than normal, averaging 54.9ºF, 1.4º above normal (53.5ºF).
The warmest April occurred in 1994 and averaged 58.2ºF, while the coldest, in 1955, averaged 47.5ºF. No daily
temperatures records were established in April. 

                              New         Old
Date          Category        Record     Record       Year
none

Precipitation for April 2004 totaled 0.21 inch, 48% of normal (0.44 inch). The wettest April, in 2003, received
2.23 inches; and the driest, in 1999 and prior years, received only a trace. No snow was recorded during the
month, compared to an April normal of a trace. The snowiest April, in 1982, received 1.0 inches, while most
months of April have received no snowfall. Total precipitation for 2004 (through April) is 3.61 inches, 140%
of normal (2.57 inches).

The average wind speed for April 2004 was 7.2 miles per hour (mph), 1.6 mph below normal (8.8 mph). This
was the lowest average wind speed ever recorded for the month of April (the previous record low was 7.4 mph
in 1958 and 1989). The windiest April on record averaged 11.1 mph (1972 and earlier years). The peak gust for
the month was 55 mph on April 27. 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.