Climatological data summary 1993 with historical data

Abstract

Calendaryear 1993 is the first year since 1985 with a below-normal average annual temperature. The averagetemperaturefor 1993 was 51.8°F, 1.5°b elow normal (53.3°F). The warmest year on record is 1992, which averaged 56.4oF; the coldest is 1985,which averaged 49.6°F. Eight months during 1993 were cooler than normal, six of which were at least 2.0°below normal, and four of which were more than 5.0°below normal. July 1993 was a record cold month, averaging70.5°F, 5.7°below normal (76.2°F). Four months were warmer than normal, three of which were at least 3.0°above normal. May had the greatest positive departure (+5.2°),and Februarythe greatest negative (-7.2°). Precipitationfor calendaryear 1993 totaled 7.83 inches, 125% of normal (6.26 inches). Calendaryear snowfall totaled 36.2 inches,the third highest calendaryear snowfall total on record. The highest was 45.1 inches in 1916. Normal yearly snowfall is 13.8 inches. January 1993 was much colder and wetter than normal. The average temperature for the month was 24.8°F, 6.5°below normal. It was the coldest month at the HMS since December 1990,which averaged 24.1°F. Precipitationfor the month totaled 1.30 inches, 165% of normal. Snowfall for January was 17.1 inches,the second highest monthly snowfallon record, compared to a normal January snowfall of 3.9 inches. January 1950 recorded 23.4 inches, the largest January snowfall on record. February 1993 was another cold month, averaging30.8°F, 7.2°below normal. The period from February 15 to 28 averaged 18.1°below normal, with numerous record low temperatures(see Table 2.1). The minimum temperatureof 3°F on February 28 was the coldest temperatureever recorded that late in the winter season. February precipitationtotaled 1.17 inches, 189% of normal (a) Note: During 1993, the climatologicaldatabase includeddata from the old Hanford Townsite,with the record beginningin 1912. Therefore,the calendar year 1993 summary includes some referencesto that data.

Hanford Site National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Characterization

“…Data have been collected at this location since 1945, and a summary of these data through 1998 has been'published by Hoitink et al (1999). …”

Investigation of anatomical anomalies in Hanford Site mule deer

“…In general, the area is characterized by shrub-steppe vegetation dominated by big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentutu) and Sandberg's bluegrass (Pou sundbergii) (Daubenmire 1970;Downs et al 1993), with approximately 16 cm of annual precipitation (Hoitink and Burk 1994). The climate consists of hot dry summers and relatively cool winters when the bulk of annual precipitation occurs.…”

Hanford Site National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) characterization. Revision 7

“…Data have been collected at this location since 1945, and a summary of these data through 1993 has been published by Hoitink and Burk (1994). Data some aspects of climate at portions of the Hanford Site to differ significantly from those o f d e HMS.…”

“…Monthly and annual joint-frequency distributions of wind direction versus wind speed for the HMS are given by Hoitink and Burk (1994). Monthly average wind speeds are lowest during the winter months, averaging 10 to 11 kmm (6 to 7 mih), and highest during the summer, averaging 14 to 16 kmm (8 to 10 mih).…”

“…Monthly averages and extremes of temperature, dew point, and humidity are contained in Hoitink and Burk (1994). Ranges of daily maximum temperatures vary from normal maxima of 2°C (35°F) in late December and early January to 35°C (95°F) in late July.…”