Next month to be hotter than July!

AUGUST could be even hotter than record-breaking July, forecasters say.

- Tony Whitfield

Although the UK is unlikely to see a repeat of last week's 104F heat (40C), the mid-90s (30s) are expected, meaning that average temperatures for August will be even higher than this month.

It comes as analysis shows the July heatwave cost Britain billions in lost work and shoppers' spending as millions stayed home, with knock-on costs from travel and schools chaos.

After an 86F (30C) mini-heatwave today, the Met Office forecasts above-average temperatures over much of the first three weeks of August.

Despite record highs, this July's average temperature is actually only 2C warmer than normal, after a cooler-than-usual start to the month, Met Office data for central England shows.

The Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: "34C is likely in August, with heat expected from Europe again, which would further increase the chance of August being warmer than July."

He added: "Temperatures ahead will be nice for the beach, barbecue or beer garden, certainly compared to last week, which was simply too hot."