Narrative Summary - July 2002

The average temperature for July 2002 was much warmer than normal, averaging 79.6ºF, 3.3º above normal
(76.3ºF). The warmest July occurred in 1985 and averaged 82.2ºF, while the coolest, in 1993, averaged 70.5ºF.
The high temperatures for July 11-13 (see below) were the 3 hottest consecutive days ever recorded at the
Hanford Meteorological Station. There were 24 days with maximum temperatures >= 90ºF in July, compared to a
normal of 19 days (year to date total is 35, compared to a normal of 30); and 11 days >= 100ºF, compared to a
normal of 6 (year to date total of 14, compared to a normal of 8). The following temperature records were
established in July:

                                 New          Old
    Date       Category         Record       Record     Year
      11       High Maximum       109          109      1990  Tie
      12       High Maximum       112          110      1990
      13       High Maximum       113*  **     108      1961
      13       High Minimum        80           73      1990

*    Record high maximum for the month of July; previous record 112ºF on July 27, 1998.
**   Tied all-time record high maximum; previously recorded August 4, 1961.

Precipitation for July 2002 was 0.16 inch, 59% of normal (0.27 inch). The wettest July, in 1993, received
1.76 inches, while the driest, in 1980 and earlier years, received only a trace amount. Total precipitation for
2002 (through July) is 2.54 inches, 67% of normal (3.80 inches).

The average wind speed for July 2002 was 9.3 miles per hour (mph), 0.7 mph above normal (8.6 mph). The
windiest July on record averaged 10.7 mph (1983) while the July with the lightest winds (1955) averaged 6.8
mph. The peak gust for the month was 53 mph on July 7. The record wind gust for July was 69 mph in 1979.

The monthly climatological data summaries, as well as other information, are available
on the Internet. Address: http://etd.pnl.gov:2080/HMS/. Hanford Site personnel can
access the HMS Intranet site at: http://hms.rl.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.