Update: For the first time in recorded history the Met Office has issued a Red Warning as extreme heatwave temperatures are expected to reach 40C.

The nation's forecaster has warned people to prepare for dangerously high temperatures - meaning a risk to life.

The mercury is expected to hit 40C on Monday and Tuesday as the heatwave weather continues around the county including Hitchin and North Herts.

Hitchin resident Freddie Cardy, who has spent time in the United States this summer, told Nub News: "I've been back from America only a few days but I'm desperately missing the air conditioning they have over there - because it's even hotter in Hitchin right now!"

The Met Office says the hot weather is being caused by high pressure over the UK and host air flowing from Southern Europe.

The record breaking temperatures have never been recorded before in the UK as heatwaves become more and more common.

This unprecedented warning of extreme heat means there is a risk to life with people in affected places such as our area may need to change their daily routine in the early part of next week.

If you are planning to sunbathe in one of Hitchin's green spaces including Windmill Hill and Bancroft you are strongly advised to use high factor suncream. It is also important to keep hydrated.

BBC Weather presenter Matt Taylor said there was an 'increasing likelihood' the UK record high - 38.7C in Cambridge in 2019 - would be broken.

The heatwave could cause disruption to travel and infrastructure, including water and power supplies - even mobile phone signals.