July has been far wetter than we in Hitchin would have liked but the month is set to end with a scorching high of 31C expected later in the week.

After a wet and grey Monday - Tuesday's high will be around 18C - the sun will eventually come out as the week progresses as temperatures gradually rise, climaxing on the final day of July, this Friday, with a mini-heatwave.

The Met Office's outlook for Hitchin this week: "It will turn largely dry and clear on Tuesday night as a ridge of high pressure nudges in.

"Wednesday should then be dry with sunny spells and patchy cloud.

"Dry on Thursday too, and turning much warmer as warm air builds in overhead, with a maximum of 26C.

"Dry, sunny and hot on Friday, with temperatures considerably higher than it has been through much of July."

Friday's expected maximum in Hitchin will hit 31C before dropping to 25C on Saturday and 21C on Sunday, with sun forecast for both days of the weekend.