Narrative Summary - May 1997

May 1997 was warmer than normal, averaging 65.0ºF, 3.7º above normal (61.3ºF).
The warmest May averaged 68.7ºF (1947); while the coolest averaged 56.0ºF (1984).
The following daily temperature records were established in May:

Precipitation for May 1997 totaled 0.33 inch, 65% of normal (0.51 inch). The wettest
May, in 1972, received 2.03 inches, while the driest, in 1992, received only a trace.
Total precipitation since January 1, 1997 is 3.12 inches, 111% of normal (2.80 inches).

May 1997's average wind speed was 8.2 miles per hour (mph), compared to a May
normal of 9.1 mph. The peak wind gust for the month was 36 mph recorded on May
31. The windiest May on record averaged 10.7 mph (1983); while the May with the
lightest winds (1957) averaged only 5.8 mph.

Spring 1997 (March, April and May) was warmer than normal, averaging 54.8ºF, 1.6º
above normal (53.2ºF). The warmest spring, in 1992, averaged 58.2ºF; while the
coolest, in 1955, averaged 48.0ºF. Total spring season precipitation was 1.36 inches,
97% of normal (1.40 inches). The wettest spring, in 1995, received 3.28 inches; while
the driest, in 1968, received only 0.09 inch.

The monthly climatological data summaries, as well as other information, are now
available on the Internet. Address: http://etd.pnl.gov:2080/HMS/ .

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.