Narrative Summary - August 1998

August 1998 was warmer than normal, averaging 77.9ºF, 2.8º above normal (75.1ºF). The
warmest August occurred 1967 and averaged 81.5ºF. The coolest August was 69.8ºF in 1964.
August 1998 was the 13th consecutive month that averaged above normal. There were 24 days in
August with maximum temperatures >= 90ºF (normal for August is 16 days), and there were 9 days
with maximum temperatures >= 100ºF (normal is 5). For the year (through August) there have been
61 days with maximum temperatures >= 90ºF (normal is 47 days), and 23 days >= 100ºF (normal is
13 days). No daily temperature records were established in August.

Precipitation for August 1998 totaled only 0.04 inch, 15% of normal (0.27 inch). The wettest
August, in 1977, received 1.36 inches, while the driest, in 1988, recorded no precipitation.
Precipitation since January 1, 1998 totals 4.34 inches, 120% of normal (3.63 inches).

August 1998's average wind speed was 8.1 miles per hour (mph), compared to an August normal
of 7.9 mph. The peak wind gust for the month was 50 mph recorded on August 15. The record
wind gust for August was 66 mph in 1961. The windiest August averaged 9.5 mph (1996); while
the August with the lightest winds (1956) averaged 6.0 mph.

The summer of 1998 (June, July and August) was the 4th warmest on record, averaging 77.0ºF,
3.3º above normal (73.7ºF). The warmest summer, in 1958, averaged 78.2ºF, while the coolest, in
1980, averaged 70.2ºF. The hottest maximum temperature of the summer was 112ºF on July 27,
while the coolest minimum was 47ºF on June 27. A summary of 90º and 100º days is
included above. Precipitation for the summer of 1998 totaled 0.86 in., 104 percent of normal
(0.83 in.). The wettest summer occurred in 1950 when 2.99 inches of precipitation was recorded,
while the driest summer (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.