Narrative Summary - March 2002

Note: Due to insufficient interest for compact disc (CD), the annual report will be issued via paper copy only.


The average temperature for March 2002 was much cooler than normal, averaging 42.4ºF, 3.7º below normal
(46.1ºF). The warmest March occurred in 1992 and averaged 51.5ºF, while the coldest, in 1955, averaged
39.3ºF. Only 9 days during March 2002 had above normal average temperatures. The following daily
temperature records were established during March 2002:

			   New		Old
  Date  Category           Record	Record	Year
    8	Low Minimum	     20		  20	1976   Tied
    20	Low Maximum	     38		  49	1950

Precipitation for March 2002 was 0.19 inch, 33% of normal (0.58 inch). The wettest March, in 1957, received
1.86 inches, while the driest, in 1968, received 0.02 inch. Snowfall for March totaled 1.4 inches, compared to
a normal of 0.4 inch. The greatest snowfall total for March was 4.2 inches in 1951, while March frequently
receives no snowfall. Total snowfall for the 2001-2002 snow season was 10.7 inches, compared to a normal
of 15.4 inches. The most snowfall in a season was 56.1 inches (1992-1993), while the least was 0.3 inch
(1957-1958). Total precipitation for 2002 (through March) is 1.28 inches, 60% of normal (2.13 inches).

The average wind speed for March 2002 was 8.9 miles per hour (mph), 0.9 mph above normal (8.0 mph). The
windiest March on record averaged 10.7 mph (1977 and earlier years), while the March with the lightest
winds (1958) averaged 5.9 mph. The peak gust for the month was 60 mph on March 11. 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.