Narrative Summary - July 2003

The average temperature for July 2003 was much warmer than normal, averaging 80.2ºF, 3.9º above normal
(76.3ºF). It was the 7th warmest July on record and the 10th warmest month of all time. The warmest July
occurred in 1985 and averaged 82.2ºF, while the coolest, in 1993, averaged 70.5ºF. The average maximum
temperature for the last two weeks of July was 103.5ºF. There have been 40 days with maximum temperatures above 90ºF
through July 31 (normal is 30), and 13 days above 100ºF (normal through July is 8). The following
temperature records were established in July:

                              New        Old
Date          Category       Record     Record       Year
 28           High Maximum    108         108        1998 Tied Record
 29           High Maximum    108         107        1982
 30           High Maximum    108         107        1971

There was no precipitation recorded during July 2003, compared to a July normal of 0.27 inch. This is the
first time that any July has been totally without rainfall; numerous previous Julies have received only a trace.
This was also only the 5th month not to receive any precipitation - that also happened in August 1955, August
1988, September 1991 and September 1999. The last July to record only a trace was in 1980. The wettest
July on record, in 1993, received 1.73 inches. The last measurable precipitation at the Hanford Meteorology
Station occurred on May 16 (a period of 76 days, and currently the 3rd longest period on record without
measurable precipitation). Total 2003 precipitation (through July) is 5.26 inches, 138% of normal (3.53 inches).

The average wind speed for July 2003 was 8.4 miles per hour (mph), 0.2 mph below 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 41 mph on July 12. 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.