UK baker Greggs warns of profit dip as heatwave deters customers

(Reuters) -British baker and fast food chain Greggs said on Wednesday its annual operating profit could be modestly below last year's levels, as unusually high temperatures in the UK discouraged customers from eating out.

A sweltering European heatwave, which meteorologists tagged as "exceptional" for striking so early this year, has limited outdoor work, shut schools and spurred health alerts in several European countries.

Greggs, known for its sausage rolls, steak bakes, vegan alternatives and sweet treats, said while the high temperatures increased the demand for cold drinks, it also reduced overall footfalls at its establishments and hit like-for-like sales in June.

It reported total sales of 1.03 billion pounds ($1.42 billion), up 6.9% year-on-year for the first half of the year.

($1 = 0.7279 pounds)

(Reporting by Yamini Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich)