All months are warmer by between 3 and 6 degrees (Celsius). This is beyond the usual variations. We're in a total transition ... it's a one-way street right now.

It's been business as usual for him really,

For instance, temperatures last week in the Northeast were 10 degrees warmer compared to the same period last year. That helped push sales of seasonal merchandise. Is all sales strength due to the weather? That's hard to say.

Prices have gone up this summer, instead of declining as they typically have done during the warmer months; they are at levels twice as high as a year ago,

The most striking thing is that the wind doesn't bite any more. It used to take pieces of skin off you.

there's no discussion of staff changes beyond the usual vacancies that occur.