Narrative Summary - March 2005

The average temperature for March 2005 was above normal, averaging 48.9ºF, 2.8º above normal (46.1ºF).
The warmest March occurred in 1992 and averaged 51.5ºF; while the coldest, in 1955, averaged 39.4ºF.
Average daily temperatures during the first half of the month were nearly 7º above normal, with record high
maximum temperatures established on 6 consecutive days. Average daily temperatures during the second half
of the month were nearly 2º below normal. There were 10 daily temperature records established during March
2005, the most in any single month since October 2003 when 13 records were established. The following daily
records were established:

                               New          Old
Date        Category           Record     Record           Year
  4         High Maximum         65         63             1953
  6         High Maximum         69         65             1967+
  7         High Maximum         74         66             2004+
  8         High Maximum         72         70             2004
  9         High Maximum         75         69             1953
 10         High Maximum         71         69             1972
 11         High Maximum         76         67             1995+
 19         Low Maximum          47         48             1965+
 27         High Minimum         48         46             1989
 31         Low Minimum          28         28             1953  Tied Record


         +  Most recent of multiple occurrences.

Precipitation for March 2005 totaled 0.31 inch, 53% of normal (0.58 inch). The wettest March, in 1957,
received 1.86 inches; and the driest, in 1968 received 0.02 inch. A trace of snowfall was recorded during
March 2005, compared to a normal of 0.4 inch, and a maximum of 4.2 inches in 1951. Total seasonal snowfall
is 12.2 inches, compared to a normal total (through March) of 15.4 inches. Total precipitation for 2005
(through March) is 1.28 inches, 60% of normal (2.13 inches).

The average wind speed for March 2005 was 8.4 miles per hour (mph), 0.5 mph above normal (7.9 mph). The
windiest March on record (1977 and earlier years) averaged 10.7 mph, while the March with the lightest winds
(1958) averaged 5.9 mph. The peak gust for the month was 61 mph on March 16. 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://hms.pnl.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.