Long queues have formed outside Hitchin's outdoor pool today, Monday (July 18) as record temperatures hit our area.

With the Met Office already issuing a Red Warning - meaning possible loss of life - as the mercury is expected to reach 40C over the next day or so, many in Hitchin have decided the best way to keep cool is to head to the swimming centre next to Butts Close.

However, long queues formed from around 11am, with many in the line having waited more than an hour to gain entry.

As you can see by our Nub News pictures taken mid-afternoon, the queues nearly stretched back to Fishponds Road. Demand was so strong that event the overflow car park at Top Field - used when the Fishponds Road car park is full - also had to be shut as it was packed.

Hitchin Nub News spoke to peopl waiting patiently in line despite temperatures nudging 40C - who told us the queue was good natured, even if it appeared Hitchin Swimming Centre appeared to have enforced a policy of 'one in, one out'' as the pool reached its capacity.

"We might as well make the most of it [the hot weather]," one woman told Nub News, "the wait is annoying but it will be worth it when we get in[to the pool]."

The extreme temperatures have already seen Hitchin Town FC shift their pre-season clash with Boreham Wood from nearby Top Field back 24 hours from Tuesday, to Wednesday evening as the barometer continues to rise.

The hot weather has also seen The Priory School on Bedford Road gear up to close at lunchtime tomorrow.

PICTURE: Sunseekers enjoy Hitchin outdoor pool on Monday afternoon (July 18). CREDIT: @HitchinNubNews