Narrative Summary - March 2006

March 2006 was cooler than normal, averaging 44.9ºF, 1.2º below normal (46.1ºF). The warmest
March (1992) averaged 51.5ºF, while the coldest (1955) averaged 39.4ºF. The minimum
temperature of 19ºF on March 13 was a record low minimum for the date. The previous record
was 22ºF in 1969 and earlier years. 




Precipitation for March 2006 totaled 0.24 inch, 41% of normal (0.58 inch).  The wettest March 

(1957) received 1.86 inches, while the driest (1968) received 0.02 inch.  No snow was recorded 

during the month, compared to a normal of 0.4 inch, and a maximum snowfall of 4.2 inches 

(1951).  Snowfall for the 2005-2006 snowfall season (through March) is 2.9 inches, compared to a 

normal of 15.4 inches.  Total precipitation for 2006 (through March) is 1.83 inches, 86% of normal 

(2.13 inches).  



The average wind speed for March 2006 was 8.0 miles per hour (mph), which was 0.1 mph above 

normal (7.9 mph).  The windiest March (1964 and 1977) averaged 10.7 mph, while the March with 

the lightest winds (1958) averaged 5.9 mph. The peak gust for March 2006 was 45 mph on March 

8.  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.