Narrative Summary - December 1996

December 1996 was slightly cooler than normal, averaging 29.8ºF,
1.6º below normal (31.4ºF). The first half of the month averaged
2.8ºF above normal, while the last half averaged 6.4ºF below
normal. The warmest December averaged 38.5ºF (1957), while the
coolest averaged 21.0ºF (1985). The following daily temperature
records were established during the month:

December 1996 was by far the wettest month ever recorded at the
Hanford Meteorology Station, receiving 3.69 in. of precipitation,
358% of normal (1.03 in.). The previous wettest month was June
1950 with 2.92 in., and the previous wettest December occurred in
1964 with 2.34 in. December 1996 was also the snowiest December
on record and the second snowiest month ever, receiving 22.6 in.
of snow. The previous snowiest December, in 1992, received 21.0
in., while the snowiest month on record (January 1950) received
23.4 in. Total precipitation for November and December 1996 was
6.36 in., more than the normal for an entire year (6.26 in.), and
total snowfall for November and December 1996 was 34.5 in., which
would be the third snowiest winter season on record even if no
additional snow were to occur during the remaining winter season.

The average temperature for calendar year 1996 was 52.3ºF, 1.0º
below normal (53.3ºF). Total precipitation for the year was 12.19
in., the second wettest year on record, after 1995 which received
12.31 in. A complete summary for 1996 will be provided at a later
date.

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.