Narrative Summary - September 2000

The average temperature for September 2000 was below normal, averaging 63.6ºF, 2.1º below
normal (65.7ºF). The hottest September occurred in 1990 and averaged 72.4ºF, while the
coolest, in 1985, averaged 58.8ºF. There were 45 days with maximum temperatures => 90ºF,
and 7 days => 100ºF during calendar year 2000 (normal is 52 days and 13 days respectively).
The minimum temperature of 32ºF on September 23 was the earliest date ever for the first
freeze. The previous first freeze was September 25, 1972, and the normal is October 18. The
following daily temperature records were established in September:

                           New     Old
   Date   Category       Record   Record    Year
     2    Low Maximum      69       70      1971
     3	  Low Minimum      40       44      1980  
    14	  High Minimum     67       61      1990
    15	  High Minimum     66       61      1945
    18	  High Minimum     68       61      1979
    21	  Low Maximum      56       66      1945
    23    Low Minimum      32       34      1981
    24	  Low Minimum      34       34      1972  Tie

Precipitation for September 2000 was 0.56 in., 181% of normal (0.31 in.). The wettest
September, in 1947, received 1.34 in., while the driest, in 1999 and earlier years, received no
precipitation. Total precipitation since January 1 was 5.76 in., 146% of normal (3.94 in.).

The average wind speed for September 2000 was 7.5 miles per hour (mph), 0.1 mph above
normal (7.4 mph). The windiest September on record averaged 9.2 mph (1961), while the
September with the lightest winds (1957) averaged 5.4 mph. The peak gust for the month
was 46 mph on September 8. The record wind gust for September was 65 mph in 1953.

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.