Narrative Summary - May 1995

May 1996 was warmer than normal, averaging 64.5ºF, 3.2º above normal
(61.3ºF). The warmest May averaged 68.7ºF (1947), while the coolest
averaged 56.0ºF (1984). No daily temperature records were established:

Precipitation for May 1995 totaled 0.79 inches, 155% of normal (0.51 inches).
The wettest May, in 1972, received 2.03 in., while the driest, in 1992, received
only a trace. Total precipitation since January 1 is 6.11 inches, 1218% of normal
(2.80 in.). This is the greatest amount of precipitation ever recorded in
a January through May time period. The previous record was 5.19 in 1980
A thunderstorm on May 9, which dropped a total of 0.53 inches of rain,
established a record 5-minute rainfall amount of 0.25 inches. The previous record
5-minute rainfall amount was 0.23 inches, recorded on July 29, 1991.

Spring 1995 (March, April and May) was warmer than normal, averaging
54.4ºF, 1.2º above normal (53.2ºF). The warmest spring, in 1992, averaged
58.2ºF; while the coolest, in 1955, averaged 48.0ºF.

Spring 1995 precipitation was the greatest on record, totaling 3.28 inches,
234% of normal (1.40 inches). The previous wettest Spring, in 1957, received
3.06 inches; while the driest, in 1968, received only 0.09 inches.

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.