U.S. sales rise along with temperatures

Sales rose 1.4 percent compared to the previous week, but 4.2 percent compared to 12 months ago, the strongest year-over-year weekly increase since May 8, when it rose 4.3 percent.

"Sales strength was helped by hot weather, which in turn spurred demand for summer-clearance merchandise," the trade group said.

Weather Trends International reported temperatures averaged 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above the same week a year ago and 2.9 degrees above the long-term average for the week.

Sales of summer merchandise have enjoyed a prolonged hot spell to boost sales.

The week ending July 17 was the eighth consecutive week with temperatures hotter than the same week a year ago and hotter than the long-term averages, WTI said.

Copyright 2010 United Press International.