The hottest day of the year so far was recorded on Thursday.

Subject to confirmation, the temperature was recorded as 26.6 degrees at Ronaldsway.

However this could change due to the wind directions fluctuating from the north and east.

David Britton, meteorological forecaster, said: ’Thursdayhas been the warmest day of hot weather so far and it could be one of the hottest days and reach 27 or 28C in some areas.

The highest temperature recorded since the Met Office was based in Ronaldsway was 28.9 degrees in July 1983.

He continued: ’There has been a trend in temperatures gradually rising during the last 20 years.

’Most climate models in the next few years will show trends of temperatures increasing.

’Last year the island had a really good spell until the end of June when there was a thunderstorm and July and August were relatively cool.’

This week has seen temperatures consistently over 20 degrees during the daytime.

Pets are in danger during the summer months of overheating and becoming dehydrated because of the hot temperatures.

Paws need to be protected from hot surfaces like tarmac and paving and skin should be protected from the sun.

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Liam Rice from the Manx SPCA said: ’A good rule is if it’s too hot for us, it’s too hot for pets.

’Pet paws on hot surfaces, in this heat especially, is way too hot for people and so would be painful for dogs.

’A lot of people walk dogs at 8am but this is still too hot for dogs, the best times are before sunrise and after sunset, especially this week, given how hot it has been.’

It’s also essential that pets’ water bowls are topped up regularly to ensure they are hydrated and cool throughout the day.

He continued: ’If you are in doubt then the best option is to stay indoors, but if you are going out for the day and bringing your dog with you, you need to apply pet-safe sun cream to your dog around the tips of the ears, around their nose and mouth and lips.

’It can be hard to get hold of pet specific sun cream but a top tip is that if the sun cream is safe for babies, it’s safe for pets.’

If your cat is prone to going outside, it’s essential that they are protected with suncream, and the water bowl is topped up when they come back.

Outdoor rabbits need to have plenty of shade and water available to them to ensure they stay cool during the hot temperatures.

Liam said: ’We have had numerous calls so far regarding dogs in cars and it’s usually when people are doing their shopping.

’It’s too hot to leave a dog in a car, but if you have to bring your dog with you try to park in a shaded area and leave windows open.’