Narrative Summary - March 2000

March 2000 was slightly cooler than normal, averaging 44.7ºF, 0.9º below normal
(45.6ºF). The warmest March occurred in 1992 and averaged 51.5ºF, while the coolest, in
1955, averaged 39.4ºF. There were no daily temperature records established in March
2000.

Precipitation for March 2000 totaled 0.94 in., 200% of normal (0.47 in.). The wettest
March, in 1957, received 1.86 in., while the driest, in 1968, received 0.02 in. No snowfall
was recorded in March 2000, compared to a normal of 0.3 in. The snowiest March, in
1952, received 4.2 in., while many years (including this year) have been without snow.
Snowfall for the 1999-2000 winter season was 9.3 in., compared to a normal of 13.8 in.
Total precipitation since January 1 was 3.15 in., 168% of normal (1.88 in.).

The average wind speed for March 2000 was 7.3 miles per hour (mph), 1.0 mph below
normal (8.3 mph). The windiest March on record averaged 10.7 mph (1977), while the
March with the lightest winds (1958) averaged 5.9 mph. The peak gust for the month was
43 mph on March 14. The record wind gust for March was 70 mph in 1956.

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.