Narrative Summary - October 1998

The fourteen month string of warmer than normal months has come to an end. October 1998 was
slightly cooler than normal, averaging 52.4ºF, 0.5º below normal (52.9ºF). The warmest October
occurred in 1988 and averaged 59.6ºF. The coolest October was 47.9ºF in 1984. No daily
temperature records were established in October.

Precipitation for October 1998 totaled 0.28 inch, 74% 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 of precipitation. Precipitation since January 1, 1998 totals 4.72 inches, 109% of normal
(4.32 inches).

October 1998's average wind speed was 7.0 miles per hour (mph), compared to an October normal
of 6.5 mph. The peak wind gust for the month was 46 mph recorded on October 8. The record
wind gust for October was 72 mph in 1997. 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 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.