A classic Bermuda high over the Atlantic was responsible for the hot, sunny and humid month of July that just ended. Temperatures were well into the 80s for much of the month, and rainfall was close to average.

The thermometer went above 90 degrees twice at the National Weather Service cooperative station in Edgartown. The highest temperature for the month was 94, recorded on July 6. All but five days in the month were 80 degrees or higher. The Island received 3.24 inches of rain, more than half an inch above normal. It came in the form of thunderstorms, some of them late at night.

The summer weather so far stands in stark contrast to a year ago. July of 2009 was mostly cool and cloudy, with an average temperature for the month of 69.5 degrees. The average temperature for July this year was 75.5 degrees.

National Weather Service summaries for Boston show the hottest day reached 100 degrees in the shade. The last time that happened was August 2002. The month tied with 1955 for the third warmest July on record in Boston (records go back to 1872).

Haydn Frank, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Taunton, said the Bermuda high that ruled July is still holding on, with a prevailing southwest wind pumping hot and humid air into the region, especially in urban areas. Temperatures on the Vineyard have been moderated by the cooler ocean waters. But even water temperatures around the Island have grown warm and are now in the 70s.

The heat was the talk of July where air conditioning is seldom needed.

At the Edgartown Senior Center, staff called seniors almost daily to make sure they were okay, according Dianne Durawa. “The heat was a concern,” she said.

Farmers report their crops are well ahead of last year at this time. Farm flowers, stunted by last year’s cool and rainy weather, are blooming in profusion, along with hot-weather-loving corn and tomatoes.

Island hardware stores have sold plenty of air conditioners and electric fans this summer. Donna Leon, co-owner of Phillips Hardwaree on Circuit avenue in Oak Bluffs, said it was a challenge to restock, as suppliers around the region were temporarily depleted.

Swimming gear, especially the popular noodles, and beach umbrellas, top the list of items that are selling out.

And there has been a high demand for water. All four Edgartown water department’s pumps ran 18 to 21 hours on the busiest water days. “Weather dictates summer usage,” said Fred Domont, water superintendent. “Last year we had a cold, wet beginning to the summer and this year we have an incredible heat wave,” he said.

Edgartown water company customers have consumed 40 million gallons more than last year at this time. On July 18, 2009, Edgartown customers had consumed 120 million gallons; so far this year they have consumed 161 million gallons. “It probably is not a record. But it means it is hot as hell outside,” Mr. Domont said.

“People keep saying we need rain. I say I am in the boat business, we never need rain,” said Phil Hale, president of Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard. He said his crews launched the same number of boats this year as last. But he noted one difference. “This year people are using their boats,” Mr. Hale said.