Narrative Summary - February 2000

February 2000 was slightly warmer than normal, averaging 38.8ºF, 0.8º above normal
(38.0ºF). The warmest February occurred in 1958 and averaged 44.5ºF, while the coldest,
in 1956, averaged 25.6ºF. There were no daily temperature records established in
February 2000.

Precipitation for February 2000 totaled 1.12 in., 181% of normal (0.62 in.). The wettest
February, in 1961, received 2.10 in., while the driest, in 1988, received only a trace.
Snowfall for February 2000 totaled 0.5 in., compared to a normal of 2.0 in. The snowiest
February, in 1989, received 17.0 in., while a number of years (as recently as 1991) have
had a February without snow. Snowfall for the 1999-2000 winter season to date is 9.3
in., compared to a normal through February 13.5 in. Total precipitation since January 1
was 2.21 in., 157% of normal (1.41 in.).

The average wind speed for February 2000 was 6.5 miles per hour (mph), 0.7 mph below
normal (7.2 mph). The windiest February on record averaged 11.1 mph (1999), while the
February with the lightest winds (1963) averaged 4.6 mph. The peak gust for the month
was 33 mph on February 2. The record wind gust for February was 65 mph in 1971.

The 1999-2000 winter season (December 1999, January and February 2000) was warmer
than normal, averaging 36.5ºF, 2.9º above normal (33.6ºF). The warmest winter (1966-
67) averaged 40.6ºF, while the coldest (1948-49) averaged 24.2ºF.

Precipitation for the winter season totaled 2.28 in., 93% of normal (2.44 in.). The wettest
winter (1996-97) received 5.45 in., while the driest (1946-47) received only 0.70 in.
Snowfall for the season (through February) totaled 9.3 in., compared to a normal (through
February) of 13.5 in.

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.