Narrative Summary - May 2005

The average temperature for May 2005 was above normal, averaging 64.3ºF, 2.5º above normal (61.8ºF). The
warmest May (1947) averaged 68.7ºF; while the coolest (1984) averaged 56.0ºF. There were 5 days during
May with maximum temperatures >= 90ºF compared to a May normal of 3 days, and a record high of 8 days in
1992 and earlier years. The following daily temperature records were established in May 2005:

                             New         Old
Date        Category         Record     Record     Year
 27	  High Maximum         95	  93	   1983
 28	  High Maximum	       99	  99	   1983    Tied Record

Precipitation for May 2005 totaled 0.79 inch, 144% of normal (0.55 inch). The wettest May (1972) received
2.03 inches; and the driest (1992 and earlier years) received only a trace. Total precipitation for 2005 (through
May) is 2.33 inches, 75% of normal (3.12 inches).

The average wind speed for May 2005 was 7.6 miles per hour (mph), 1.3 mph below normal (8.9 mph). The
windiest May on record (1983) averaged 10.7 mph, while the May with the lightest winds (1957) averaged 5.8
mph. The peak gust for May 2005 was 39 mph on May 20. The record wind gust for May was 71 mph in 1948.

The spring season (March, April and May) was warmer than normal, averaging 55.6ºF, 1.8º above normal
(53.8ºF). The warmest spring (1992) averaged 58.2ºF; while the coolest (1955) averaged 48.0ºF. Spring
precipitation was below normal, totaling 1.36 inches, 86% of normal (1.58 inches). The wettest spring (1995)
received 3.28 inches; while the driest (1968) received only 0.09 inch.

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.