Betting on the the British weather, particularly on a white Christmas, has long interested punters. But the current heat wave, which has seen temperatures reach the mid-nineties, has prompted many bookmakers to open special markets on whether the temperatures in the country will reach 100F (37.8C).
William Hill currently offer 6-4 but expect to close their book soon with tomorrow predicted to be the hottest day of the year. Ladbrokes offer 2-1 but best value is available with Paddy Power, who have set their win criteria a pip lower. They offer 7-4 about the temperature reaching just 99F (37.2C) before August 31, 2003.
The more pessimistic punter is also catered for and is offered odds of 2-5 should they wish to bet that the temperature will not reach 99F.
Whatever the weather, the bookmakers have been typically sure to cut any losses they may incur during this untypically hot spell. Had a long-term forecaster telephoned William Hill in January, they would have been quoted odds of 33-1 against the temperature reaching 100F in the whole of 2003.