Narrative Summary - May 1996
May 1996 was much cooler than normal, averaging 58.1ºF, 3.2º below normal
(61.3ºF). The warmest May averaged 68.7ºF (1947), while the coolest (in 1984)
averaged 56.0ºF. The following daily temperature records were established:
| New | Old | |||||||||
| Date | Category | Record | Record | Year | ||||||
| 8 | Low Minimum | 29 | 36 | 1981 | ||||||
| 9 | Low Minimum | 34 | 34 | 1973 | Tie | |||||
| 31 | Low Minimum | 40 | 40 | 1976 | Tie |
Precipitation for May 1996 totaled 0.62 in., 122% 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 is 4.52 in., 161% of normal
(2.80 in.).
Spring 1996 (March, April and May) was slightly cooler than normal, averaging
52.6ºF, 0.6º below normal (53.2ºF). The warmest spring, in 1992, averaged
58.2ºF; while the coolest, in 1955, averaged 48.0ºF. Spring 1996 precipitation
totaled 1.88 inches, 135% of normal (1.39 in.). The wettest spring, in 1995,
received 3.28 in.; while the driest, in 1968, received only 0.09 in.
For additional information contact:
| Ken Burk | 373-3215 | |
| Dana Hoitink | 372-6414 |
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.