It used to be that the first heatwaves of summer produced disproportionate mortality, and then, as people got used to the heat, a similar warm spell killed fewer.

FORBES: When Mr. Heat Comes To Washington

Marine biologists say the most likely cause of the unusual occurance is red algae and the recent warm spell - although mass suicide has not been ruled as a cause.

BBC: News | Wales | Sea urchins may have committed suicide

The consortium also pointed to a spell of warm weather in the middle of the month which "dampened demand" for autumn and winter clothes which had just arrived in the shops.

BBC: Olympics 'distracted' Scottish shoppers says retail body

The weather for the next four days is set to warm up following a spell of cool, windy conditions in practice and should help scoring, alleviating the feeling in some quarters that the event has lost its magic following two years of harsh weather allied to a toughening up of the course.

BBC: Woods ready for Masters campaign

Other overseas recruits include Australian batsman Phillip Hughes, who will warm up for the Ashes with a spell at Middlesex - while New Zealand trio James Franklin, Iain O'Brien and Jeetan Patel have moved to Gloucestershire, Leicestershire and Warwickshire respectively.

BBC: County season preview 2009