Narrative Summary - April 1997

April 1997 was slightly cooler than normal, averaging 51.8ºF, 0.9º below normal
(52.7ºF). The warmest April averaged 58.2ºF (1994); while the coolest averaged
47.5ºF (1955). The following daily temperature records were established in April:

Precipitation for April 1997 totaled 0.33 inch, 80% of normal (0.41 inch). The wettest
April, in 1995, received 1.54 inches, while the driest, in 1986 and earlier years,
received only a trace. There was no snow recorded in April. Total precipitation since
January 1, 1997 is 2.79 inches, 122% of normal (2.29 inches).

April 1997's average wind speed was 9.1 miles per hour (mph), compared to an April,
normal of 9.0 mph. The peak wind gust for the month was 54 mph recorded on April
20. There were 5 days during the month with gusts of 40 mph or greater, compared
to an April average of 3 such days, and a record of 8 days in April 1991.

The monthly climatological data summaries, as well as other information, are now
available on the Internet. Address: http://etd.pnl.gov:2080/HMS/ .

For additional information contact:

Ken Burk		373-3215
Dana Hoitink		372-6414

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.