Narrative Summary - March 2003

The average temperature for March 2003 was warmer than normal, averaging 49.0ºF, 2.9º above normal (46.1ºF).
The warmest March occurred in 1992 and averaged 51.5ºF, while the coldest, in 1955, averaged 39.4ºF. The
following daily temperature records were established in March:

 				New        Old
   Date	      Category         Record	  Record   Year
    11        High Minimum       44         44     2002   Tie
    13        High Minimum       49         44     1998   Also in earlier years
    14        High Minimum       48         45     1961
    21        High Minimum       47         46     1998
    30        High Maximum       77         75     1992
    31        High Minimum       49         47     1961

Precipitation for March 2003 was 0.26 inches, 45% of normal (0.58 inches). The wettest March occurred in
1957 and received 1.86 inches, while the driest, in 1968, received 0.02 inch. There was no snow recorded in
March 2003, compared to a normal of 0.4 inch. Total snow season snowfall was only 1.3 inches, compared to
a normal of 15.4 inches. Total 2003 precipitation (through March) is 2.95 inches, 138% of normal (2.13
inches).

The average wind speed for March 2003 was 9.3 miles per hour (mph), 1.3 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 53 mph on March 5. 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.