Narrative Summary - February 2003

The average temperature for February 2003 was much warmer than normal, averaging 39.9ºF, 2.0º above normal
(37.9ºF). The warmest February occurred in 1958 and averaged 44.5ºF, while the coldest, in 1956, averaged
25.6ºF. Twenty-one days during February 2003 had average temperatures that were normal or above normal. No
daily temperature records were established during February.

Precipitation for February 2003 was 0.82 inches, 120% of normal (0.68 inches). The wettest February
occurred in 1961 and received 2.10 inches, while the driest, in 1988 and earlier years, received only a trace.
There was no snow recorded in February 2003, compared to a normal of 2.6 inches. Total snow season
snowfall is only 1.3 inches, compared to a normal through February of 15.0 inches. Total 2003 precipitation
(through February) is 2.69 inches, 174% of normal (1.55 inches).

The average wind speed for February 2003 was 7.1 miles per hour (mph), right at normal (7.1 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 52 mph on February 20. The record wind gust for
February was 65 mph in 1971.

The 2002-2003-winter season (December 2002, January and February 2003) was much warmer than normal,
averaging 38.4ºF, 4.6º above normal (33.8ºF). The warmest winter (1966-67) averaged 40.6ºF, while the
coldest (1948-49) averaged only 24.2ºF. Winter season precipitation totaled 5.05 inches, 190% of normal
(2.66 inches). The wettest winter (1996-97) received 5.45 inches, while the driest (1946-47) received 0.70
inch.

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.