Narrative Summary - July 1997

July 1997 was slightly cooler than normal, averaging 75.3ºF, 0.9º below normal
(76.2ºF). The warmest July averaged 82.2ºF (1985); while the coolest averaged
70.5ºF (1993). The following daily temperature records were established in June:

Precipitation for July 1997 totaled 0.19 inch, 106% of normal (0.18 inch). The wettest
July, in 1993, received 1.76 inches; while the driest, in 1980 and earlier years,
received only a trace. There were 6 thunderstorms recorded in July, compared to a
July average of 2, and a July record of 8 thunderstorms in 1983. Total precipitation
since January 1, 1997 is 3.77 inches, 112% of normal (3.36 inches).

July 1997's average wind speed was 8.4 miles per hour (mph), compared to a July
normal of 8.8 mph. The peak wind gust for the month was 45 mph recorded on July
9. The windiest July on record averaged 10.7 mph (1983); while the July with the
lightest winds (1955) averaged 6.8 mph. The highest peak gust ever recorded during
the month of July was 69 mph in 1979.

The monthly climatological data summaries, as well as other information, are now
available on the Internet. Address: http://etd.pnl.gov:2080/HMS/ .

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.