Narrative Summary - December 2004

The average temperature for December 2004 was much warmer than normal, averaging 35.9ºF, 4.2º above
normal (31.7ºF). The warmest December occurred in 1957 and averaged 38.5ºF, while the coldest, in 1985,
averaged 21.0ºF. The maximum temperature of 61ºF on December 11 was a new record high maximum for the
day, the previous record was 59ºF in 1991.




Precipitation for December 2004 totaled 0.37 inch, 33% of normal (1.11 inches).  The wettest December, in 

1996, received 3.69 inches; and the driest, in 1999, received only 0.07 inch.   There was 2.5 inches of snow 

recorded in December, compared to a normal of 5.8 inches, and a maximum of 22.6 inches in 1996.  Total 

seasonal snowfall is 2.5 inches, compared to a normal total (through December) of 8.2 inches.



The average wind speed for December 2004 was 5.5 miles per hour (mph), 0.6 mph below normal (6.1 mph).  

The windiest Decembers on record (1949 and 1968) averaged 8.3 mph, while the December with the lightest 

winds (1983) averaged 3.3 mph. The peak gust for the month was 40 mph on December 8.  The record wind 

gust for December was 71 mph in 1955. 



The average temperature for calendar year 2004 was 54.6ºF which was 1.0º above normal (53.6ºF). The 

warmest years (1992 and 1998) averaged 56.4ºF; while the coolest (1985) averaged 49.6ºF.  The year?s hottest 

temperature was 107ºF on August 13, and the coldest was -14ºF on January 5.  Calendar year precipitation 

totaled 7.96 inches, 114% of normal (6.98 inches).  The wettest year (1995) received 12.31 inches; while the 

driest (1976) received only 2.99 inches.  



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.