Deviation from Seasonal Sales Pattern

Steps:

• Compare 2016 monthly sales to identify the usual summer peak starting in June due to rising temperatures.
• Examine 2017 sales: May aligns with 2016's low pre-summer figures.
• Check June 2017: sales drop below 2016's expected rise, indicating disturbance.
• Verify July and August 2017: sales recover to match or exceed 2016 patterns.

Why B is correct:

• June 2017 shows anomalously low sales despite typical temperature-driven seasonal increase, per demand-temperature correlation.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: May 2017 follows 2016's pre-summer low, maintaining pattern.
• C: July 2017 sales align with 2016's peak, undisturbed.
• D: August 2017 continues high sales like 2016, no deviation.

Final answer: B