Narrative Summary - February 1997

February 1997 was warmer than normal, averaging 40.2ºF, 2.2º above normal
(38.0ºF). The maximum temperature of 62ºF on February 14 tied the record high
temperature for the date (also occurring in 1982). The warmest February averaged
44.5ºF (1991 and 1958); while the coldest averaged 25.6ºF (1956).

Precipitation for February 1997 totaled 0.25 inch, 40% of normal (0.62 inch). The
wettest February, in 1961, received 2.10 inches, while the driest, in 1988 and earlier
years, received only a trace. February snowfall totaled 2.7 inches, compared to a
February normal of 2.0 inches. The snowiest February, in 1989, received 17.0 inches,
while several February s, as recently as 1991 received no snow at all. Total winter
season snowfall through February 1997 was 39.0 inches (normal snowfall through
February is 13.5 inches). Without any additional snowfall, this would be the second
snowiest winter on record. The snowiest winter occurred in 1992-93 with 56.1 inches.

The winter season (December 1996, January and February 1997) was slightly warmer
and much wetter than normal. The average temperature was 34.5ºF, 0.9º above
normal (33.6ºF). The coldest temperature of the winter was -6ºF on December 28.
The warmest winter season, 1966-67, averaged 40.6ºF, while the coldest, 1948-49,
averaged 24.2ºF.

The winter season of 1996-97 was the wettest season (any season, not only winter)
on record, receiving 5.45 inches of precipitation. The normal winter season
precipitation is 2.44 inches, and the previous wettest winter season (1958-59) received
5.06 inches. The winter of 1958-59 had previously been the wettest season on
record. The wettest non-winter season was 4.79 inches (autumn 1973). The driest
winter season, 1946-47, received 0.70 inch.

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.