Hitchin hotter than Istanbul as temperatures soar on a baking hot sunny Saturday

Temperatures reached 28C in Hitchin on Saturday afternoon - a full five degrees hotter than the Turkish capital Istanbul and level with hedonistic Balearic isle Ibiza.

The Met Office confirmed that warm air from the south send the heat rising this sun-baked weekend.

Sunseekers flocked to Bancroft as well as Windmill Hill to catch some rays, as the mercury looked set to nudge 30C for the first time since the heatwave of 2022, before temperatures peaked at 28C - still making it the hottest day of the year so far in North Herts.

However, the nation's forecaster has issued thunderstorm warnings for our area with thundery showers expected - with the chance of hail and gusty winds, according to the Met Office, along with possible torrential rain.

A yellow thunderstorm warning - highlighting potential disruption to travel, power cuts and localised flooding until 9pm this evening.

PS And here's five top tips for getting a good night's sleep in warm weather… 

Use a lightweight summer duvet 

Ensure your bedding is made from breathable fibres 

Get a mattress that regulates body temperature 

Keep curtains and blinds closed during the daytime 

Drink lots of water throughout the day to stay hydrated