Narrative Summary - October 2003

The average temperature for October 2003 was much warmer than normal, averaging 57.4ºF, 4.4º above normal
(53.0ºF), and the 3rd warmest on record. The warmest October occurred in 1988 and averaged 59.6ºF, while the
coolest, in 1984, averaged 47.9ºF. The period from October 16-28 averaged 10.2º above normal. The following
daily temperature records were established in October: 

                          New         Old
Date   Category          Record     Record         Year
 5     High Minimum       56           52          1988+
 6     High Maximum       87           85          1980
17     High Maximum       79           77          1997
17     High Minimum       49           49          1955  Tied Record
18     High Maximum       77           76          1973
19     High Minimum       54           52          1992
20     High Maximum       80           74          1978
20     High Minimum       56           54          1973
21     High Maximum(1)    89           73          1991+
21     High Minimum(2)    65           54          1963
22     High Maximum       81           74          1959
22     High Minimum       57           51          1952
28     High Maximum       80           68          1965+                                                

 +  Also occured in previous years.
(1) Tied record for highest temperature ever recorded in October 
    (also on October 3, 1958 and October 4, 1980).
(2) All-time high minimum temperature for October.  Previous record 60ºF 
    on October 25, 1945, October 2, 1988 and October 15, 1988.

Precipitation for October 2003 totaled 0.07 inch, 14 percent of normal (0.49 inch). The wettest October on
record, in 1957, received 2.72 inches; and the driest (1972, 1978 and 1987) received only a trace. Total 2003
precipitation (through October) is 6.03 inches, 123% of normal (4.89 inches).

The average wind speed for October 2003 was 8.6 miles per hour (mph), 2.1 mph above 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 60 mph on October 28. The 8 days with peak gusts >= 40
mph tied the record for that category, also occurring in 1967. 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.