Narrative Summary - April 2006

April 2006 was cooler than normal, averaging 52.2ºF, 1.3º below normal (53.5ºF). The warmest
April (1994) averaged 58.2ºF, while the coldest (1955) averaged 47.5ºF. No daily temperatures
records were established during April 2006. 




Precipitation for April 2006 totaled 1.30 inches,  296% of normal (0.44 inch).  This was the 3rd 

wettest April on record.  The wettest April (2003) received 2.23 inches, while the driest (1999 and 

earlier years) received only a trace.  Total precipitation for 2006 (through April) is 3.13 inches, 

122% of normal (2.57 inches).  



The average wind speed for April 2006 was 8.3 miles per hour (mph), which was 0.5 mph below 

normal (8.8 mph).  The windiest April (1959 and 1972) averaged 11.1 mph, while the April with 

the lightest winds (2004) averaged 7.2 mph. The peak gust for April 2006 was 46 mph on April 29.  

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://hms.pnl.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.