Narrative Summary - October 2000

The average temperature for October 2000 was slightly below normal, averaging 52.1ºF, 0.8º
below normal (52.9ºF). The hottest October occurred in 1988 and averaged 59.6ºF, while the
coolest, in 1984, averaged 47.9ºF. The following daily temperature records were established in
October:

                           New     Old
   Date   Category       Record   Record    Year
    18 	  High Minimum     50       50      1952  Tie
    26	  Low Maximum      49       49      1946  Tie

Precipitation for October 2000 was 0.57 in., 150% of normal (0.38 in.). The wettest October,
in 1957, received 2.72 in., while the driest, in 1987 and earlier years, received only a trace. No
snowfall was recorded in October 2000. The normal snowfall for October is 0.1 in., with
October 1973 being the snowiest, having received 1.5 in. Total precipitation since January 1
was 6.33 in., 146% of normal (4.32 in.).

The average wind speed for October 2000 was 6.4 miles per hour (mph), 0.1 mph below
normal (6.5 mph). The windiest October on record averaged 9.1 mph (1946), while the
October with the lightest winds (1952) averaged 4.4 mph. The peak gust for the month was
40 mph on October 1. The record wind gust for October was 72 mph in 1997.

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.