Narrative Summary - March 1998

March 1998 was warmer than normal, averaging 48.4ºF, 2.8º above normal
(45.6ºF). The warmest March averaged 51.5ºF (1992); while the coolest
averaged 39.4ºF (1955). The following daily temperature records were established
during March:

                              New       Old
Date         Category        Record    Record     Year

 12        High Maximum        68        68       1992   Tie
 13        High Maximum        72        70       1992
 13        High Minimum        44        44       1987   Tie
 21        High Minimum        46        46       1947   Tie
 23        High Minimum        45        45       1956   Tie

Precipitation for March 1998 totaled 0.50 inch, 106% of normal (0.47 inch). The
wettest March, in 1957, received 1.86 inches; while the driest, in 1968, received
0.02 inch. A trace of snowfall was recorded in March 1998, compared to a
normal of 0.3 inch. The snowiest March, in 1951, received 4.2 inches, while
numerous Marches (as recently as 1995) received no snowfall. Total precipitation
since January 1, 1998 totals 2.89 inches, 154% of normal (1.88 inches).

March 1998's average wind speed was 7.3 miles per hour (mph), compared to a
March normal of 8.3 mph. The peak wind gust for the month was 39 mph
recorded on March 16 and 26. The record wind gust for March was 70 mph in
1956. The windiest March averaged 10.7 mph (1977); while the March with the
lightest winds (1958) averaged 5.9 mph.

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.