Narrative Summary - December 2003

The average temperature for December 2003 was warmer than normal, averaging 32.9ºF, 1.2º above normal
(31.7ºF). The warmest December occurred in 1957 and averaged 38.5ºF, while the coldest, in 1985, averaged
21.0ºF. No daily temperature records were established in December.

Precipitation for December 2003 totaled 1.96 inches, 177% of normal (1.11 inches). The wettest December
on record, in 1996, received 3.69 inches; and the driest (1999) received 0.07 inch. Snowfall for December
2003 totaled 8.0 inches, compared to a normal of 5.8 inches. Total snowfall for the 2003-2004 snow season
(through December) is 8.0 inches, compared to a normal of 8.2 inches. The snowiest December on record, in
1996, received 22.6 inches.

The average wind speed for December 2003 was 5.6 miles per hour (mph), 0.4 mph below normal (6.0 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 36 mph on December 6. The record wind gust for
December was 71 mph in 1955.

Calendar year 2003 averaged 55.6ºF, 2.0º above normal (53.6ºF). The highest temperature of the year was
108ºF on July 28, 29 and 30; while the lowest was 8ºF on December 30. Total 2003 precipitation was 8.14
inches, 117% of normal (6.98 inches). The peak wind gust for 2003 was 60 mph on October 28. A
comprehensive summary of 2003 will be published at a later date.

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 Burk		373-3215
Dana Hoitink		372-6414

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.