Narrative Summary - May 1998

May 1998 was warmer than normal, averaging 62.4ºF, 1.1º above normal
(61.3ºF). The first week of the month averaged 14º above normal, with three
daily temperature records broken or tied. May was the tenth consecutive month
with above normal average temperatures, dating back to August 1997. The
warmest May averaged 68.7ºF (1947); while the coolest averaged 56.0ºF (1984).
The following daily temperature records were established during May:

                              New       Old
Date         Category        Record    Record     Year
  1        High Maximum        93        87       1947
  1        High Minimum        59        59       1977  Tie
  2        High Maximum        89        89       1971  Tie
 25        Low Maximum         61        62       1984

Precipitation for May 1998 totaled 0.52 inch, 102% 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, 1998 totals 3.48 inches, 124%
of normal (2.80 inches).

May 1998's average wind speed was 8.0 miles per hour (mph), compared to a
May normal of 8.8 mph. The peak wind gust for the month was 55 mph recorded
on May 21. The record wind gust for May was 71 mph in 1948. The windiest
May averaged 10.7 mph (1983); while the May with the lightest winds (1957)
averaged 5.8 mph.

The monthly climatological data summaries, as well as other information, are available
on the Internet. Address: http://etd.pnl.gov:2080/HMS/. Hanford Site personnel can
access the HMS Intranet site at: http://hms.rl.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.