THE B3081 between Gillingham and Shaftesbury has started to melt in places on the hottest day of the year so far.

A spokesperson for Dorset County Council said some of the road surface had started to peel away, causing clumps of tarmac to form.

The council is monitoring the situation and, in the meantime, is advising motorists to take care of any debris in the road.

The spokesperson added: “This is something that happens to roads occasionally- they can be affected by hot or cold weather.

“We’re aware of any alerts that come in about road surface conditions during the hot weather.”

Travel Dorset tweeted: "Road surfaces can become soft in hot temperatures and are liable to 'peel' or 'clump'. 

"Where we're advised this is happening, we'll inspect and treat the surface with a sandy material that reduces further damage during the hot weather.

"Please drive safely and be aware of the possibility of poor surfaces."

Bournemouth resident Nigel Gillespie has also claimed part of the pavement on Wellington Road, just before the Wessex Way flyover, has melted.

And Sopley resident Amy Latchford also claimed the tarmac of Derritt Lane was soft and sticky.

She said: "Near to the Woolpack Pub, the tarmac has been melting. We use Derritt Lane daily with our horses and today have brought them in out of the heat as the tarmac is soft and sticky.

"It's dangerous for motorists and equestrians who are out riding and use it daily," she added. 

Meanwhile, visitors to Sandbanks are being urged to consider taking public transport as sunseekers flock to the beach in their droves.

@Bournemouthecho this is temp in Christchurch right now #hottestdayoftheyear #FeelingHotHotHot pic.twitter.com/8Z9VH7lC0P


A spokesperson for Borough of Poole tweeted: "Car Park is over 90% full. If you're planning to visit the beach, please consider using public transport."

Scores of sunseekers have headed to the beach to make the most of the mini heatwave.

By lunchtime temperatures had already reached 28.6C in Springborne.

Weather enthusiast Jim Smith said: "The high humidity is resulting of a "heat index" i.e. "feels like" of nearly 35C."

According to the Met Office, temperatures reached 31.2C at 5pm making it the hottest day of the year so far. 

Bournemouth Echo: Hottest Day of the Year

Things are set to feel slightly cooler on Wednesday with a high of 25C forecast, with temperatures dropping to a more comfortable 20C by Thursday. 

Weather warnings have been issued for much of the country with thunderstorms set to break out over much of the country by Tuesday evening. 

No weather warnings have been issued for Dorset at this stage.