Hitchin is set to bask in temperatures hotter than Spain as July draws to an end.

Hitchin sunseekers on Windmill Hill and pubic gardens such as Bancroft can expect to bask in 35C temperatures - far hotter than mainland Spain and the Canary Islands on Friday.

On the final day of what has been an unsettled month punctuated by spells of prolonged rain, the sun has returned.

If you are heading out in the sun don't today, don't forget to apply a high faction sun lotion to protect your skin.

With fierce temperatures - with today dubbed by some as 'Furnace Friday' it is important to stay rehydrated.

If you plan on going for a walk around Oughtonhead Nature Reserve you are advised to take bottles of water with you.

Temperatures are set to hit 35C, in contrast to Spain's maximum of 26C today making July's unsettled weather a distant memory.

The Met Office's outlook for Hitchin: "Dry, sunny and hot on Friday, with temperatures considerably higher than it has been through much of July."

The temperature is expected to drop to a pleasant 25C on Saturday and 21C on Sunday, with sun forecast for the entire weekend.

Why not mark the heatwave with an ice cream from Fabio's Gelato? Here's our feature piece on Hitchin's go-to gelato shop

If you're flocking to town to enjoy the sun and fancy a bit to eat from one of our wonderful restaurants and outlets, here's our in-depth article on Chicken George and the man behind their success.

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