Narrative Summary - December 1997

December 1997 was warmer than normal, averaging 34.7ºF, 3.3º above normal
(31.4ºF). The last half of the month averaged 6.9ºF above normal. The warmest
December averaged 38.5ºF (1957); while the coldest averaged 21.0ºF (1985).
The following daily temperature records were established: 

                            New         Old
Date     Category         Record      Record       Year
 16    High Maximum          60          56        1973
 28    High Maximum          57          56        1957

Precipitation for December 1997 totaled 0.31 inch, 30% of normal (1.03 inches).
The wettest December, in 1996, received 3.69 inches; while the driest, in 1976,
received 0.11 inch. Snowfall for December 1997 totaled 1.8 inches, compared to
a December normal of 5.7 inches. The snowiest December, in 1996, received
22.6 inches, while December 1962 received only a trace.

December 1997's average wind speed was 5.5 miles per hour (mph), compared to
a December normal of 5.9 mph. The peak wind gust for the month was 41 mph
recorded on December 16. The highest wind gust ever recorded during December
was 71 mph in 1955. The windiest December averaged 8.3 mph (1968); while
the December with the lightest winds (1985) averaged 3.3 mph.

Calendar year 1997 was warmer than normal, averaging 54.8ºF, 1.5º above
normal (53.3ºF). The warmest year on record (1992) averaged 56.4ºF; while the
coolest (1985) averaged 49.6ºF. The hottest days in 1997 (August 4 and 14) had
maximum temperatures of 106ºF, while the coldest day (January 14) had a
minimum temperature of 8ºF. Total precipitation for 1997 was 6.39 inches, 102
percent of normal (6.26 inches). The wettest year (1996) received 12.31 inches,
while the driest year (1976) received only 2.99 inches.

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.