Narrative Summary - May 2006

May 2006 was slightly warmer than normal, averaging 62.6ºF, 0.8º above normal (61.8ºF). The warmest
May (1947) averaged 68.7ºF, while the coolest (1984) averaged 56.0ºF. There were 6 days in May with
maximum temperatures >= 90ºF compared to a May normal of <1. There were 2 days with maximum
temperatures >= 100ºF compared to a May normal of <1. The following daily temperatures records were
established during May 2006:


			New	Old 
Date    Category	Record Record	Year
 16	High Maximum	  99	 95	1973
 16	High Minimum	  71*	 60	1973
 17	High Maximum	 100	 96	1973
 17	High Minimum	  60	 59	1985
 18	High Maximum	 100	 98	1954
 18	High Minimum	  67	 67	1956  Tied Record
				
 * Tied record for highest minimum temperature for the month of May, 
   also occurring on 05/29/1967.

Precipitation for May 2006 totaled 0.57 inch, 104% of normal (0.55 inch). The wettest May (1972)
received 2.03 inches, while the driest (1992 and earlier years) received only a trace. Total precipitation
for 2006 (through May) is 3.70 inches, 119% of normal (3.12 inches).

The average wind speed for May 2006 was 8.6 miles per hour (mph), which was 0.3 mph below normal
(8.9 mph). The windiest May (1983) averaged 10.7 mph, while the May with the lightest winds (1957)
averaged 5.8 mph. The peak gust for May 2006 was 57 mph on May 18. The record wind gust for May
was 71 mph in 1948.

The spring season (March, April and May) was cooler than normal, averaging 53.2ºF, 0.6º below normal
(53.8ºF). The warmest spring (1992) averaged 58.2ºF, while the coolest spring (1955) averaged 48.0ºF.
Spring season precipitation totaled 2.11 inches, 134% 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.