Narrative Summary - August 2000

The average temperature for August 2000 was slightly below normal, averaging 74.0ºF,
1.1º below normal (75.1ºF). The hottest August occurred in 1967 and averaged 81.5ºF,
while the coolest, in 1964, averaged 69.8ºF. There have been 44 days with maximum
temperatures >= 90ºF, and 7 days >= 100ºF through the end of August (normal through
August is 47 days and 13 days respectively). The following daily temperature records
were established in August:

                           New     Old
   Date   Category       Record   Record    Year
    12    Low Minimum      52       52      1957  Tie
    24    High Minimum     73       71      1966

Precipitation for August 2000 was only a trace, 0% of normal (0.27 in.). The wettest
August, in 1977, received 1.36 in., while the driest, in 1977 and earlier years, received no
precipitation. Total precipitation since January 1 was 5.20 in., 143% of normal (3.63 in.).

The average wind speed for August 2000 was 8.0 miles per hour (mph), 0.1 mph above
normal (7.9 mph). The windiest August on record averaged 9.5 mph (1996), while the
August with the lightest winds (1956) averaged 6.0 mph. The peak gust for the month
was 39 mph on August 13. The record wind gust for August was 66 mph in 1961.

The summer season of 2000 (June, July and August) was slightly cooler than normal,
averaging 73.1ºF, 0.6º cooler than normal (73.7ºF). The warmest summer occurred in
1958 and averaged 78.2ºF, while the coolest, in 1980, averaged 70.2ºF. The summer's
highest temperature was 107ºF on July 31, compared to an all-time high of 113ºF on
August 4, 1961. Precipitation for the summer totaled 0.73 in., 88% of normal (0.83 in.).
The wettest summer, in 1950, received 2.99 in., while the driest, in 1973, received only
0.03 in.

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.