Narrative Summary - February 2006

February 2006 was cooler than normal, averaging 36.2ºF, 1.7º below normal (37.9ºF). The warmest
February (1958) averaged 44.5ºF, while the coldest (1956) averaged 25.6ºF. The period from
February 1-10 averaged 7.3º above normal, while the period from February 12-21 averaged 10.0º
below normal. The following daily temperature records were established during February 2006:

			   New	       Old
Date      Category        Record       Record     Year
 18	  Low Minimum 	    9	          9       1990   Tied Record
 19	  Low Minimum	    5	         14       1990  (and earlier years)
 20	  Low Minimum	   14	         15       1986

Precipitation for February 2006 totaled 0.41 inch, 60% of normal (0.68 inch). The wettest
February (1961) received 2.10 inches, while the driest (1988 and earlier years) received only a
trace amount. A trace of snow was recorded during the month, compared to a normal of 2.6
inches, and a maximum snowfall of 17.0 inches (1989). Snowfall for the 2005-2006 snowfall
season (through February) is 2.9 inches, compared to a normal of 15.0 inches. Total precipitation
for 2006 (through February) is 1.59 inches, 103% of normal (1.55 inches).

The average wind speed for February 2006 was 8.4 miles per hour (mph), which was 1.4 mph
above 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 February 2006 was 50
mph on February 23. The record wind gust for February was 65 mph in 1999 and earlier years.

The 2005-2006 winter season (December 2005, January and February 2006) was slightly warmer
than normal, averaging 34.0ºF, 0.2º above normal (33.8ºF). The warmest winter (1966-67)
averaged 40.6ºF, while the coldest (1948-49) averaged 24.2ºF. Winter season precipitation totaled
3.60 inches, 135% 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://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.