JULY was very sunny and warm but rainfall was near or above normal, due to thunderstorms, says weather-watcher Frank Hill.

With 10-15 hours of sun on 18 days, the month's total of 308 hours was the highest in July since records began in 1912.

Temperatures were also well above normal, exceeding 30C on eight days. July 19 was the hottest, reaching 34.6C (94F), equalling the July record set in 1976.

The mean temperature, 20.7C, was nearly 3C above normal but fell just short of the July 1983 record of 21.1C.

Thunderstorms came on five days. July 5-6 were particularly heavy, with around 60mm of rain in 10 hours near Welland.