The weather was moderately warm during the first three days of the month, though the 2nd to the 4th were all very sunny days. However, temperatures rose and air pressure increased. 80F was exceeded every day between the 4th and 7th. The nights were also warm after the 5th, up to the 12th. The climax of the hot spell came on the 9th of the month, which was the hottest day recorded across the UK since 18th June 2000, and was the joint hottest day I have personally recorded in the six years I have been keeping weather records. 90F was recorded, which, barring some exceptional September weather, is going to be the hottest day of the year.

The temperature didn't fall below 66F at any point on the night of the 9th/10th. 81F was recorded on the 10th, but the following day brought both a drop in temperature and humidity on the 11th and 12th. Tbe weather thus turned cooler and overcast. Until the 25th temperatures were respectable rather than hot but the 14th was a very sunny day. The next notable feature of the month's weather were the sharp showers on the 17th.

The 16th and 20th both had sunny spells. The weather was non-descript between the 21st and the 25th. Further rain fell on the 26th was an unsettled weather now took hold. The 28th was an autumnal day. The maximum temperature was only 56F, under leaden skies and the weather felt even colder with a biting North-East wind. It was also the wettest day of the month. A further anti-cyclone however, brought two sunny days for the 29th and the 30th.

August 2003 can be split into two months weatherwise. The first half was hot, dry and sunny. The second half had generally average temperatures, was settled but mostly dull. For the month, sunshine totals were marginally higher than average. 2003 is turning out to be a very warm year, with only February having temperatures below average so far. Each summer month has been warmer than average, by some distance. August this year was the driest recorded since 1995 and the warmest since 1997, even though the final five days of the month were cool. August 2003 was the driest recorded month since February 1998, when only 7mm of rain fell. In the last 100 years only August's in 1995, 1947 and 1940 were drier than 2003.

Kevin Phillips – 8.45pm - Monday 1st September 2003.