Narrative Summary - March 1996

March 1996 was slightly cooler than normal, averaging 44.8ºF, 0.8º below
normal (45.6ºF). The warmest March averaged 51.5ºF (1992), while the coolest
(in 1955) averaged 39.4ºF. The following daily temperature records were
established:

The first three months of 1996 have all recorded below normal monthly average
temperatures.

Precipitation for March 1996 totaled 0.83 in., 177% of normal (0.47 in.). The
wettest March, in 1957, received 1.86 in., while the driest, in 1968, received
0.02 in. Total precipitation since January 1 is 3.47 in., 185% of normal
(1.88 in.). March snowfall totaled 0.4 in., compared to a March normal of 0.3
in. The snowiest March, in 1951, received 4.2 in., while numerous March's (as
recently as last year) have received no snowfall. Total snowfall for the
period from October 1995 through March 1996 was 28.0 in., the fifth snowiest
period on record. The snowiest was 56.1 in. in 1992-93.

For additional information contact:

Ken Burk		373-3215
Dana Hoitink		372-6414

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.