The summer of 2003 was the hottest summer on record in Europe since at least 1540. More than 40,000 people died as a result of the extreme conditions which swept the continent during July and August.
Working hours were reduced in some countries, crops were badly affected as drought conditions struck some parts of the continent and hose pipe bans were imposed in many countries, including England.
Temperatures in parts of France were touching the 40 degree mark. In Sevilla on the hottest day the temperature reached 45.2 °C (113.4 °F) although the record was in 1995 when it reached 46.6 °C (115.9 °F).
In Scotland the temperatures started to build after the first few days of the month, which were cooler and more showery.
From the 5th to the 9th the temperature exceeded 29C (84F) every day somewhere in the country. The hottest day ever recorded was on the 9th when Greycrook in the Borders reported a high of 32.9C (91.2F), just beating the previous Scottish temperature record of 32.8 °C. On the 7th The Cairnwell summit recorded a high of 25C (77F), pretty significant for a station sitting at over 3,000ft!
The nights were also quite sultry, by Scottish standards, with temperatures only falling to 19C (66F) in some western coastal stations on the 6th and the 9th.
The high temperatures combined with falling water levels in rivers and streams threatened the spawning and survival of salmon. Several lambs were reported to have died in Caithness from dehydration.
Speed restrictions had been placed on some train journeys as the lines had buckled in the heat, while children enjoying a cooling rollercoaster ride at M&D's, in Strathclyde Country Park, were trapped 60ft in the air after the steel track buckled in the heat.
The hot weather ended when a cold front came moved in from the north on the 10th bringing cooler conditions.
