Narrative Summary - November 2002

The average temperature for November 2002 was slightly warmer than normal, averaging 41.0ºF, 0.9º above
normal (40.1ºF). The warmest November occurred in 1990 and averaged 46.5ºF, while the coldest, in 1985,
averaged 24.8ºF. The month was much cooler than normal during the first and last six days, and much warmer
than normal during the middle of the month. The following temperature records were established in November:

                                 New      Old
    Date         Category       Record   Record     Year
      1		 Low Minimum	  11	   20	    1995 
      2		 Low Minimum	  11	   17	    1995
      3		 Low Minimum	  14	   17	    1995
      4		 Low Minimum	  15	   16	    1973
      19	 High Maximum	  67	   67	    1962  Tied Record
      19	 High Minimum	  47	   44	    1954

Precipitation for November 2002 was 0.38 inch, 39% of normal (0.98 inch). The wettest November, in 1996,
received 2.67 inches, while the driest, in 1976, received only a trace. Total precipitation for 2002 (through
November) is 3.05 inches, 52% of normal (5.87 inches). There was a trace of snow recorded in November,
compared to a November normal of 2.3 inches.

The average wind speed for November 2002 was 5.7 miles per hour (mph), 0.8 mph below normal (6.5 mph).
The windiest November on record averaged 10.0 mph (1990), while the November with the lightest winds
(1956) averaged 2.9 mph. The peak gust for the month was 36 mph on November 16. The record wind gust
for November was 67 mph in 1993.

Autumn 2002 (September, October and November) was slightly cooler than normal, averaging 52.6ºF, 0.4º
below normal (53.0ºF). The warmest autumn (1990) averaged 57.1ºF, while the coolest (1985) averaged
44.5ºF. Autumn precipitation totaled 0.50 inch, 28% of normal (1.80 inches). The wettest autumn (1973)
received 4.79 inches, while the driest (1976) received only 0.04 inch.

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.