Narrative Summary - February 1996

February 1996 was colder than normal, averaging 32.8ºF, 5.2º below normal
(38.0ºF). Temperatures were very cold early in the month, averaging nearly
30º below normal for the first five days, with minimum temperatures of -18ºF,
-14ºF and -15ºF for February 1, 2 and 3 respectively (none of which were
records). The period from February 6-23 averaged about 3.5º above normal,
then the last six days of the month were again below normal, averaging more
than 12º below normal. The maximum temperature of 63ºF on February 8 was a
record high maximum for the date, the previous record high was 60ºF in 1945.
The warmest February averaged 44.5ºF (1958 and 1991), while the coldest (in
1956) averaged 25.6ºF.

Precipitation for February 1996 totaled 1.22 in., 197% of normal (0.62 in.).
The wettest February, in 1961, received 2.10 in., while the driest, in 1988
and earlier years, received only a trace. Total precipitation since January 1
is 2.64 in., 187% of normal (1.41 in.). February snowfall totaled 5.9 in.,
compared to a February normal of 2.0 in. The snowiest February, in 1989,
received 17.0 in., while numerous February's have received no snow at all.

The 1995-96 winter season (December 1995, January and February 1996) was
cooler and much wetter than normal. The average temperature of 31.4ºF was
2.2º below normal (33.6ºF), and the minimum temperatures of -18ºF on both
January 31 and February 1, were the coldest readings at the Hanford
Meteorology Station in nearly 40 years (since January 1957 when temperatures
of -22ºF and -21ºF were recorded on January 26 and 27 respectively). Winter
season precipitation totaled 4.96 in., 203% of normal (2.44 in.), and the
second wettest winter on record. The winter of 1958-59 received 5.06 in.
Total winter season snowfall through February 1996 was 27.6 in. (normal
snowfall through February is 13.5 in.).

For additional information contact:

Ken Burk		373-3215
Dana Hoitink		372-6414

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.