Narrative Summary - August 2002

The average temperature for August 2002 was very nearly normal, averaging 75.5ºF, 0.1º above normal (75.4ºF).
The warmest August occurred in 1967 and averaged 81.5ºF, while the coolest, in 1964, averaged 69.8ºF. There
were 17 days with maximum temperatures >= 90ºF in August, which is normal (year to date total is 51, compared
to a normal of 47); and 2 days >= 100ºF, compared to a normal of 5 (year to date total is 16, compared to a normal
of 13). The following temperature records were established in August:

                                 New          Old
    Date       Category         Record       Record     Year
      4        Low Maximum         78           78      1964+ Tie
      5        Low Maximum         78           80      1996+

	  + Also in earlier years.

Precipitation for August 2002 was 0.01 inch, 4% of normal (0.27 inch). The wettest August, in 1977,
received 1.36 inches, while the driest, in 1988 and earlier years, received no precipitation. Total precipitation
for 2002 (through August) is 2.55 inches, 63% of normal (4.07 inches).

The average wind speed for August 2002 was 8.2 miles per hour (mph), 0.2 mph above normal (8.0 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 41 mph on August 10. The record wind gust for August
was 66 mph in 1961.

The 2002 summer season (June, July and August) was warmer than normal, averaging 75.7ºF, 2.0º above
normal (73.7ºF). The warmest summer (1958) averaged 78.2ºF, while the coolest, in 1980, averaged 70.2ºF.
The summer's warmest temperature was 113ºF on July 13. This was a record high maximum for the month of
July and tied the all-time maximum temperature for Hanford (previously recorded on August 4, 1961).
Precipitation for the summer totaled 0.82 inch, 86% of normal (0.95 inch). The wettest summer (1950)
received 2.99 inches, while the driest (1973) received only 0.03 inch.

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.