Narrative Summary - August 2006

August 2006 was slightly cooler than normal, averaging 74.8ºF, 0.6º below normal (75.4ºF). The
hottest August (1967) averaged 81.5ºF, while the coolest (1964) averaged 69.8ºF. There were 23
days in August with maximum temperatures >=90ºF compared to an August normal of 17. There
have been 61 days this year with maximum temperatures >=90ºF compared to a normal (through
August) of 52 days. There were 4 days in August with maximum temperatures >=100ºF compared
to an August normal of 5. There have been 21 days this year with maximum temperatures >=100ºF
compared to a normal (through August) of 12. No daily temperatures records were established
during August 2006.

Precipitation for August 2006 totaled only a trace, 0% of normal (0.27 inch). The wettest August
(1977) received 1.36 inches, while the driest (1955 and 1988) received no precipitation. Total
precipitation for 2006 (through August) is 5.03 inches, 124% of normal (4.07 inches).

The average wind speed for August 2006 was 7.7 miles per hour (mph), which was 0.2 mph below
normal (7.9 mph). The windiest August (1996) averaged 9.5 mph, while the August with the
lightest winds (1956) averaged 6.0 mph. The peak gust for August 2006 was 40 mph on August 10.
The record wind gust for August was 66 mph in 1961.

The summer season of 2006 (June, July and August) was warmer than normal, averaging 75.1ºF,
1.4º above normal (73.7ºF). The hottest summer (1958) averaged 78.2ºF, while the coolest
summer (1980) averaged 70.2ºF. The summer’s highest maximum temperature was 113ºF on July
23, which tied the highest maximum temperature ever recorded at the Hanford Meteorology Station
(113ºF was also recorded on August 4, 1961 and July 13, 2002). Summer season precipitation
totaled 1.33 inches, 140% of normal (0.95 inch). All of the measurable precipitation was received
in June. 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://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.