Narrative Summary - September 2003

The average temperature for September 2003 was much warmer than normal, averaging 69.2ºF, 3.3º above
normal (65.9ºF). The warmest September occurred in 1990 and averaged 72.4ºF, while the coolest, in 1985,
averaged 58.8ºF. There were 72 days during 2003 with maximum temperatures >= 90ºF, the 4th greatest number on
record (normal is 52, the most was 79 in 1967 and least was 29 in 1980). There were 19 days during this calendar
year with maximum temperatures >= 100ºF, compared to a normal of 13 (the most was 28 days in 1958 and least
was 1day in 1954). The following daily temperature records were established in September: 

                          New         Old
Date   Category          Record     Record       Year
  4    High Maximum       102         102        1988  Tied record
  5    High Maximum       102         102        1955  Tied record
  6    High Minimum        68          65        1957+
 27    High Minimum        60          60        1949  Tied Record
 29    High Minimum        61          61        1989  Tied Record

 +  Also occured in previous years.

Precipitation for September 2003 totaled 0.24 inch, 73 percent of normal (0.33 inch). The wettest September
on record, in 1947, received 1.34 inches; and the driest, in 1991 and 1999, received no precipitation. Total
2003 precipitation (through September) is 5.96 inches, 136% of normal (4.40 inches).

The average wind speed for September 2003 was 7.4 miles per hour (mph), 0.1 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 44 mph on September 12 and 19. 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.