July was hotter than usual with an average temperature of 28.1˚C as opposed to the climate norm of 26.6˚C, the Meteorological Office said.

It said that the average maximum temperature rose to 33.1˚C, accompanied also by a higher minimum temperature of 23.1˚C, surpassing the average 21.7˚C.

The highest temperature ever recorded for the month of July was on July 9, 1988, when the heat reached 42.7˚C.

July 31 was the hottest day this year, with the thermometer showing 38.4˚C. The lowest temperature last month was recorded on July 1 with the temperature briefly dropping to 20.2˚C. Seven days had a maximum temperature of 35˚C or over, two of which (21 and 31) peaked at 5˚C more than the maximum norm of 31.6˚C.

The average sea surface temperature for July was 26.3˚C, which is notably higher than the expected 24.7˚C.

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