Narrative Summary - November 1997

November 1997 was warmer than normal, averaging 43.2ºF, 3.0º above normal
(40.2ºF). The period from November 18-30 averaged 7.8ºF above normal. The
warmest November averaged 46.5ºF (1990); while the coldest averaged 24.8ºF
(1985). No daily temperature records were established.

Precipitation for November 1997 totaled 1.01 inches, 111% of normal (0.91 inch). The
wettest November, in 1996, received 2.67 inches; while the driest, in 1967, received
only a trace. Total precipitation since January 1, 1997 is 6.08 inches, 116% of normal
(5.23 inches). There was no snowfall recorded in November 1997, compared to a
November normal of 1.8 inches. The snowiest November, in 1985, received 18.3
inches, while many Novembers have received no snow.

November 1997's average wind speed was 6.2 miles per hour (mph), compared to a
November normal of 6.4 mph. The peak wind gust for the month was 33 mph
recorded on November 20 and 28. The highest wind gust ever recorded during
November was 67 mph in 1993. The windiest November averaged 10.0 mph (1990);
while the November with the lightest winds (1956) averaged 2.9 mph.

The autumn season of 1997 (September, October and November) was warmer than
normal, averaging 54.4ºF , 1.5º above normal (52.9ºF). The warmest autumn, in
1990, averaged 57.1ºF, while the coolest (1985) averaged only 44.5ºF. Precipitation
for the autumn months totaled 2.25 inches, 141% of normal (1.60 inches). The
wettest autumn, in 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.