Narrative Summary - February 2005

The average temperature for February 2005 was nearly normal, averaging 37.8ºF, 0.1º below normal (37.9ºF).
The warmest February occurred in 1958 and averaged 44.5ºF; while the coldest, in 1956, averaged 25.6ºF.
During February 2005 due to generally clear skies and light winds maximum temperatures averaged nearly 5º
above normal, while minimum temperatures averaged nearly 5º below normal. No daily temperature records
were established during the month.




Precipitation for February 2005 totaled only 0.04 inch, 6% of normal (0.68 inch).  The wettest February, in 

1961, received 2.10 inches; and the driest, in 1988 and earlier years, received only a trace.   No snowfall was 

recorded during February 2005, compared to a normal of 2.6 inches, and a maximum of 17.0 inches in 1989.  

Total seasonal snowfall is 12.2 inches, compared to a normal total (through February) of 15.0 inches.  Total 

precipitation for 2005 (through February) is 0.97 inch, 63% of normal (1.55 inches).



The average wind speed for February 2005 was 5.8 miles per hour (mph), 1.2 mph below normal (7.0 mph).  

The windiest February on record (1999) averaged 11.1 mph, while the February with the lightest winds (1963) 

averaged 4.6 mph. The peak gust for the month was 40 mph on February 4.  The record wind gust for February 

was 65 mph in 1999 and earlier years. 



The 2004-2005 winter season (December 2004, January and February 2005) was warmer than normal, 

averaging 34.6ºF, 0.8º above normal (33.8ºF).  The warmest winter (1966-1967) averaged 40.6ºF; while the 

coldest (1948-1949) averaged 24.2ºF.  The winter season was drier than normal with 1.34 inches of 

precipitation, 50% of normal (2.66 inches).  The wettest winter (1996-1997) received 5.45 inches; while the 

driest (1946-1947) received only 0.70 inch.



The monthly climatological data summaries, as well as other information, are available on the Internet.  

Address:  http://hms.pnl.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.