Narrative Summary - January 2005

The average temperature for January 2005 was cooler than normal, averaging 30.0ºF, 1.8º below normal
(31.8ºF). The warmest January occurred in 1953 and averaged 42.5ºF; while the coldest, in 1950, averaged
12.1ºF. No daily temperature records were established during January 2005.




Precipitation for January 2005 totaled 0.93 inch, 107% of normal (0.87 inches).  The wettest January, in 1970, 

received 2.47 inches; and the driest, in 1977, received only 0.08 inch.   There was 9.7 inches of snow recorded 

in January 2005, compared to a normal of 4.2 inches, and a maximum of 23.4 inches in 1950.  Total seasonal 

snowfall is 12.2 inches, compared to a normal total (through January) of 12.4 inches.



The average wind speed for January 2005 was 5.6 miles per hour (mph), 0.7 mph below normal (6.3 mph).  The 

windiest January on record (1972) averaged 10.3 mph, while the January with the lightest winds (1985) 

averaged 2.9 mph. The peak gust for the month was 37 mph on January 12.  The record wind gust for January 

was 80 mph in 1972.



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.