Narrative Summary - May 2000

The average temperature for May 2000 was nearly normal, averaging 61.2ºF, only 0.1º
below normal (61.3ºF). The warmest May occurred in 1947 and averaged 68.7ºF, while
the coolest, in 1984, averaged 56.0ºF. The minimum temperature of 33ºF on May 6 set a
new record low minimum for that date. The previous record low for May 6 was 34ºF in
1977.

Precipitation for May 2000 totaled 0.77 in., 151% of normal (0.51 in.). The wettest May,
in 1972, received 2.03 in., while the driest, in 1992, received only a trace. Total
precipitation since January 1 was 4.49 in., 160% of normal (2.80 in.).

The average wind speed for May 2000 was 9.9 miles per hour (mph), 0.8 mph above
normal (9.1 mph). The windiest May on record averaged 10.7 mph (1983), while the May
with the lightest winds (1957) averaged 5.8 mph. The peak gust for the month was 51
mph on May 9. The record wind gust for May was 71 mph in 1948. The six days with
gusts 40 mph or greater tied the record for May. May 1990 also had six such days (the
average is 2).

Spring 2000 (March, April and May) was slightly warmer than normal, averaging 53.8ºF,
0.6º above normal (53.2ºF). The warmest spring, in 1992, averaged 58.2ºF, while the
coolest, in 1948, averaged only 48.0ºF. Precipitation for the spring season totaled 2.28
in., 163% of normal (1.40 in.). The wettest spring, in 1995, received 3.28 in., while the
driest, in 1968, received only 0.09 in. Winds for the spring season averaged 8.4 mph,
slightly below normal (8.8 mph). The peak gust during spring was 51 mph on May 9.

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.