Narrative Summary - August 1997

August 1997 was warmer than normal, averaging 78.0ºF, 2.9º above normal (75.1ºF).
The warmest August averaged 81.5ºF (1967); while the coolest averaged 69.8ºF
(1964). No daily temperature records were established in August.

Precipitation for August 1997 totaled 0.06 inch, 22% of normal (0.27 inch). The
wettest August, in 1977, received 1.36 inches; while the driest, in 1988, received no
precipitation. Total precipitation since January 1, 1997 is 3.83 inches, 106% of normal
(3.63 inches).

August 1997's average wind speed was 8.0 miles per hour (mph), compared to an
August normal of 7.9 mph. The peak wind gust for the month was 55 mph recorded
on August 26. This gust occurred during the passing of a cold front, which included a
dust storm that reduced visibility at the HMS to only 0.5 mile. The windiest August on
record averaged 9.5 mph (1996); while the August with the lightest winds (1956)
averaged 6.0 mph. The highest peak gust ever recorded during the month of August
was 66 mph in 1961.

The summer of 1997 (June, July and August) was slightly warmer than normal,
averaging 73.9ºF, 0.2ºF above normal (73.7ºF). The warmest summer (1958) averaged
78.2ºF; while the coolest (1980) averaged 70.2ºF. Through August, the summer
recorded 48 days with maximum temperatures >= 90ºF (normal through August is 47
days), and 10 days >= 100ºF (normal for the summer is 13 days).

Summer season precipitation totaled 0.71 inch, 86% of normal (0.83 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 now
available on the Internet. Address: http://etd.pnl.gov:2080/HMS/ .

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.