Narrative Summary - September 2002

The average temperature for September 2002 was slightly above normal, averaging 66.3ºF, 0.4º above normal
(65.9ºF). The warmest September occurred in 1990 and averaged 72.4ºF, while the coolest, in 1985, averaged
58.8ºF. There were 7 days with maximum temperatures >= 90ºF in September, which was 2 above normal (the
yearly total was 59, compared to a normal of 52). The annual total of days >= 100ºF was 16, compared to a normal
of 13. The following temperature records were established in September:

                                 New          Old
    Date       Category         Record       Record     Year
      12       High Maximum        96           96      1969  Tie

	  + Also in earlier years.

Precipitation for September 2002 was only a trace, 0% of normal (0.33 inch). The wettest September, in
1947, received 1.34 inches, while the driest, in 1999 and earlier years, received no precipitation. Total
precipitation for 2002 (through September) is 2.55 inches, 58% of normal (4.40 inches).

The average wind speed for September 2002 was 7.6 miles per hour (mph), 0.3 mph above normal (7.3 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 39 mph on September 15. 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.