Narrative Summary - December 1995

December 1995 was slightly warmer than normal, averaging 32.6ºF,
1.2º above normal (31.4ºF). The warmest December averaged 38.5ºF (1957),
while the coolest averaged 21.0ºF (1985). No daily temperature
records were established during the month:

Precipitation for December 1995 totaled 2.32 inches, 2255 of normal
(1.03 inches). It was the second wettest December on record. The wettest
December received 2.34 inches (1964), while the driest received only
0.11 inches (1976). December snowfall totaled 4.0 inches, compared to
a December normal of 5.7 inches. The snowiest December received 21.0 inches
(1992), while the least amount of December snowfall was a trace (1962).

The peak wind gust of 61 miles per hour (mph) on December 12 was the
highest gust recorded at the Hanford Meteorology Station since a gust of
67 mph was recorded on November 3, 1993.

Total precipitation for 1995 was 12.31 inches, 197% of normal (6.26 inches)
This was the wettest year on record, surpassing 1950's total of 11.45 inches.
The driest year on record was 1976 with only 2.99 inches.

The average temperature for calendar year 1995 was 54.7ºF, 1.4º
above normal (53.3ºF). the warmest year was 1992 which averaged
56.4ºF, while the coolest year was 1985 with an average temperature
of 49.6ºF. The hottest day in 1995 was July 19 (105ºF). The coldest
days were January 3 and 4, and February 14 (8ºF).

A complete climatological data summary for 1995 will be issued in
early summer.

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.