Narrative Summary - April 1998

April 1998 was warmer than normal, averaging 54.4ºF, 1.7º above normal
(52.4ºF). April was the ninth consecutive month with above normal average
temperatures, dating back to August 1997. The warmest April averaged 58.2ºF
(1994); while the coolest averaged 47.5ºF (1955). The following daily
temperature records were established during April:

                              New       Old
Date         Category        Record    Record     Year
 22        High Minimum        55        52       1981
 30        High Maximum        92        91       1981
 30        High Minimum        60        56       1981

Precipitation for April 1998 totaled only 0.07 inch, 17% of normal (0.41 inch).
The wettest April, in 1995, received 1.54 inches; while the driest, in 1986,
received only a trace. Total precipitation since January 1, 1998 totals 2.96
inches, 129% of normal (2.29 inches).

April 1998's average wind speed was 7.6 miles per hour (mph), compared to an
April normal of 9.0 mph. The peak wind gust for the month was 37 mph recorded
on April 24. The record wind gust for April was 73 mph in 1972. The windiest
April averaged 11.1 mph (1972); while the April with the lightest winds (1989)
averaged 7.4 mph.

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.