Narrative Summary - December 2000

The average temperature for December 2000 was below normal, averaging 29.7ºF, 1.7º below
normal (31.4ºF). The warmest December occurred in 1957 and averaged 38.5ºF, while the coldest,
in 1985, averaged 21.0ºF. No new daily temperature records were established during the month.

Precipitation for December 2000 was 0.67 in., 65% of normal (1.03 in.). The wettest
December, in 1996, received 3.69 in., while the driest, in 1999, received 0.07 in. There was
6.6 in. of snow recorded during the month, compared to a December normal of 5.7 in. The
snowiest December, in 1996, received 22.6 in., while December 1957 and 1962 received only
a trace of snow. Total precipitation for calendar year 2000 was 8.08 in., 129% of normal
(6.26 in.).

The average wind speed for December 2000 was 5.2 miles per hour (mph), 0.7 mph below
normal (5.9 mph). The windiest December on record averaged 8.3 mph (1968), while the
December with the lightest winds (1985) averaged 3.3 mph. The peak gust for the month was
45 mph on December 16 and 17. The record wind gust for December was 71 mph in 1955.

Calendar year 2000 was cooler than normal, averaging 52.6ºF, 0.7ºF below normal (53.3ºF).
The warmest years on record (1992 and 1998) average 56.4ºF, while the coolest year (1985)
averaged 49.6ºF. Total precipitation for 2000 was 8.08 in., 129% of normal (6.26 in.). The
wettest year (1995) received 12.31 in., while the driest (1976) received 2.99 in. A
comprehensive annual climatological summary will be issued later in the spring of 2001.

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.