he National Weather Service (NWS) determined that the highest temperature in the history of Washington state was recorded in June at the Hanford Meteorological Station.
Office of Environmental Management
April 19, 2022
minute read time
RICHLAND, Wash. – The National Weather Service (NWS) determined that the highest temperature in the history of Washington state was recorded in June at the Hanford Meteorological Station, managed by EM Richland Operations Office contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS).
The 120-degree-Fahrenheit reading occurred on June 29, 2021. New records require extensive review by a state climate extremes committee (SCEC) for the NWS. The committee is composed of members of several NWS locations in the western U.S., the Office of the Washington State Climatologist and others.
The committee voted unanimously to accept the reading as the new state record following verification, which included reviewing satellite imagery, visiting several weather stations at Hanford and analyzing instrumentation.
“The Hanford meteorological station is a critical resource, collecting and sharing weather information across the site,” said Kyle Rankin, with the nuclear safety division of EM’s Office of River Protection. “The information gathered by the meteorological team helps teams plan and execute work safely.”
In its memorandum documenting the record, the SCEC commended HMIS meteorologist Grant Gutierrez, noting, “The Washington SCEC would also like to give a special thanks to Grant Gutierrez of the DOE Hanford Site for not only supplying us with the Hanford data, but also for his patience with us, answering our numerous questions.”
Since 1944, scientists have collected weather data using Hanford’s 400-foot meteorological tower and dozens of similar towers placed strategically throughout the site. The Hanford Meteorological Station reported 19 days in June 2021 with a daily high temperature above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and 10 days above 100 degrees. Usually, the Hanford Site sees just two days in June with a temperature higher than 100 degrees.
The public may access Hanford Meteorological Station data through Hanford’s website. Weather information, including temperature, wind direction and speed, updates every 15 minutes. Some stations also record atmosphere pressure, humidity and precipitation.
To receive the latest news and updates about the Office of Environmental Management, submit your e-mail address.