Windows, siestas and 1am dog walks

Windows, siestas and 1am dog walks - Manc living in Spain gives top tips to deal with the heat

A Manc living in Spain has shared his top tips on staying cool in the heat ahead of warnings that temperatures in the UK could be the ‘hottest’ on record.

Last week, the Met Office issued the first ever red weather warning for 'extreme heat' covering much of England today and tomorrow (July 18 and 19). Experts predict temperatures could reach as high as 36C in Greater Manchester while other parts of the UK could hit a record-breaking 40C.

Simon Smith, who previously worked as news editor at the M.E.N, took to Twitter earlier this week to share some light-hearted advice on what he’s learnt in coping with the heat since moving to Madrid last year.

In the thread, which has been hailed as ‘excellent’ by some of his followers, Simon advised people on everything from taking advantage of the sunshine and drinking water to buying linen pants and even jokingly suggesting timing dog walks for 1am.

The thread starts off with a tip about keeping windows closed, with Simon instead suggesting opening the windows for a couple of hours at 6am if need be.

Simon posted: “Hell. It’s 11pm here on the western outskirts of Madrid and it’s 38 outside. It was 44 when I was driving at 6pm. Here’s my tips - after dealing with my second Madrid heatwave - for coping with UK record temperature.

Simon recently moved to Madrid with his family and said he's figured out some heatwave tips since (Simon Smith)

“Forget everything you know about windows. Windows are for keeping the air OUT. When we first hit high 30s in June I thought all the neighbours had buggered off. No, but they all kept windows and shutters/blinds shut/down all day.

“Advanced tip. Wake up early (6-ish) and open the windows for a couple of hours, IF you are certain that outside temperature is lower than inside.”

His other suggestions including taking a siesta and doing ‘stuff in the morning’ as Simon said he felt it was the ‘only sane’ part of the day.

The thread continued: “2. Drink. (No, not bourbon). Cold water in the fridge is the best way of making sure you aren’t comatose by 3pm.

“3. Do stuff in the morning. It’s the only sane part of the day. If it’s going to be in the 40s mid-afternoon, then that is going to linger until way into the morning. Don’t go thinking that the sun ‘disappearing’ means anything. It doesn’t.

“4. Seriously. If you can. And I know this is a cliché. But … siesta. It makes absolutely no sense to be forcing yourself to stay awake at the most unproductive time of the day. Then trying to force yourself to sleep when there are corks popping outside.

Simon (left) with his family in Madrid (Simon Smith)

“5. Slow down. Pick three things you want to achieve today and focus on them and nothing more. I think that’s the best piece of advice I have, whatever the weather.

“6. If you can, enjoy it. Sunsets, shadows, memories. I know, global warming and everything - but being green and being decent are not mutually incompatible. Fit solar panels. Eat in-season vegetables. And reward yourself with treats…”

His other advice included slowing down, buying linen clothes and taking advantage of the heat to hang out washing.

Simon added: “7. Buy linen shirts and trousers. All reasonably priced at H&M and cheaper at Primark. 8. Did I mention ‘slow down’. Just slow down. Good advice whatevs the weather.

“Schedule a 1am dog walk for the noisy little git who has been sleeping in the bathroom all day. On the plus side. You can get a load of washing dry before the next one has finished. Which has always been my absolute punk rock dream.”

Following the hilarious thread, Twitter users applauded his advice. Video journalist Andrew Stuart said: “Excellent advice… I’m slightly dreading the mad temps. Hopefully they don’t hang around for long.”