yes it may have been only the warmest august since 1997, but you forget that
1997 and 1995 were the two hottest Augusts of the whole series going back to
the 1600s. This last Auguat 2003 I believer was the fourth or fifth hottest
after 1975 and 1947.

Summer 2003 was fourth hottest behind 1976, 1826, 1995 of the whole series.

I think all the talk of a hot summer is really about consistent warmth
throughout the three month period.