Narrative Summary - October 2004

The average temperature for October 2004 was slightly warmer than normal, averaging 54.5ºF, 1.5º above
normal (53.0ºF). The warmest October occurred in 1988 and averaged 59.6ºF, while the coolest, in 1984,
averaged 47.9ºF. The following daily temperature records were established during October 2004:

                           New          Old
Date      Category        Record       Record       Year
  6       High Minimum      59           57         1960
 14       High Maximum      78           78         1945    Tie

Precipitation for October 2004 totaled 0.86 inch, 176% of normal (0.49 inch). The wettest October, in 1957,
received 2.72 inches; and the driest, in 1987 and earlier years, received only a trace. Total precipitation for
2004 (through October) is 7.30 inches, 149% of normal (4.89 inches).

The average wind speed for October 2004 was 6.9 miles per hour (mph), 0.4 mph above normal (6.5 mph).
The windiest October on record (1946) averaged 9.1 mph, while the October with the lightest winds (1952)
averaged 4.4 mph. The peak gust for the month was 38 mph on October 30. 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://hms.pnl.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.