Best ways to stay cool in the heat - according to a Manc living in Spain

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.

READ MORE: 'Do not travel' warning for Greater Manchester after first-ever heatwave national emergency declared

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.

“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