Narrative Summary - October 1997

October 1997 was just slightly warmer than normal, averaging 53.2ºF, 0.3º above
normal (52.9ºF). The warmest October averaged 59.6ºF (1988); while the coolest
averaged 47.9ºF (1984). The following daily temperature records were established
during October 1997:

Precipitation for October 1997 totaled 0.92 inch, 242% of normal (0.38 inch). The
wettest October, in 1957, received 2.72 inches; while the driest, in 1987 and earlier
years, received only a trace. Total precipitation since January 1, 1997 is 5.07 inches,
117% of normal (4.32 inches).

October 1997's average wind speed was 8.3 miles per hour (mph), compared to a
October normal of 6.8 mph. The peak wind gust for the month was 72 mph recorded
on October 30, a new record for the month of October (the previous peak gust was 63
mph in 1950). This was the fourth highest wind gust ever recorded at the HMS, and
the highest since a gust of 73 mph on January 28, 1990. The highest wind gust ever
recorded at the HMS was 80 mph on January 11, 1972. The windiest October
averaged 9.1 mph (1946); while the October with the lightest winds (1952) averaged
4.4 mph.

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 Internet site at: http://hms.rl.gov/

For additional information contact:

Ken Burk		373-3215
Dana Hoitink		372-6414

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.