Temperatures in August 2007 will be about two degrees Celsius lower than in July 2007.

Still, the weather will be warmer than usual, meteorologist Latin Latinov told Focus news agency.

There would be rain, but less than the norm for August, only 20 to 40 litres a sq m, he said.

Meanwhile the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology said that new temperature records were expected in the town of Veliko Turnovo. The current record, registered in 1900, was 38.1 degrees Celsius. On July 30 2007, the temperature is expected to reach 39 degrees.

Hot weather is expected at the beginning of August, but by mid-August, temperatures will drop.

Summer heat and human negligence caused more than 12 000 fires in June and July 2007 alone. Some municipalities declared emergencies.