The perennial British fixation – the weather – is once again on the agenda as we experience an, undoubtedly short-lived, heatwave. We have all indulged in moaning about the torrential rain and leaden skies that seem to have characterised this summer, and we will no doubt also enjoy grumbling about the oppressive heat, sweltering nights and so on. That is the British way.

We long for hot weather, travel thousands of miles every summer in pursuit of it and complain bitterly of its absence. But once the mercury begins to rise, we very soon discover that heat can be frazzling, and tempers tend to fray. Now is the time to concentrate on excellent heatwave manners; we’ve come up with ten top tips.

Ten Top Tips for Staying Cool

1.  Don’t rush

Walking fast, running for the bus, doing anything in a hurry is not a good idea when temperatures are high, as you’ll soon build up a sweat and feel uncomfortable. It is sensible to recognise that heat is energy-sapping and to deliberately build in extra time when you are travelling, meeting people or running errands. Accept the fact that your normally brisk walking pace might well have slowed down to a lazy saunter – by accommodating a slower-paced lifestyle during these few hot days you’ll feel much less stressed and bad-tempered. Just make sure you’re not late for appointments and text ahead if you feel you’re flagging.

2. Allow some space

If you’re travelling in hot weather, you will know how oppressive it feels to be caught up in a crush of hot and bothered bodies, so do your best to spread out and maximise personal space – don’t stand near the doors, move down the carriage or the bus to accommodate more people comfortably. If you’re lucky enough to have a seat, don’t sprawl or manspread; you’ll be invading your neighbour’s space and proximity always raises the temperature.

3. Don’t eat smelly food

Food odours on public transport are undesirable at any time, but on a hot or crowded bus or train the pungent smell of your hamburger and fries or the overwhelming fishiness of your tuna mayo sandwich will be truly nauseating. Higher temperatures appear to “draw out” the odours of food to an alarming degree, so wait until you get outside into the fresh air before you start eating.

4. Always ask to open windows

Most public transport is air-conditioned these days, but if you are reliant on opening windows on buses, or in your office, to moderate the temperature, it is always polite to ask your neighbours if they mind you doing so. You may be melting and feel that it is blindingly obvious that more ventilation is needed, but you shouldn’t make assumptions about other people, and you should recognise that you are in a shared space. A polite request is normally met with equally polite consent.

5. Dress for the context

Swimwear is great for the beach, or possibly the beachside promenade, but it isn’t appropriate for the centre of town. Most of us accept that in shops, restaurants and cafés, however hot the weather, we should wear everyday clothes – even if our outfits are unusually skimpy. Hot weather provides a great incentive to wear the bare minimum of clothing but think before you do so. There may be places where your short shorts and spaghetti straps are frowned upon so try to take other people’s expectations into account. If you go somewhere and are requested to cover up (for example putting on a shirt), accede with good grace and don’t pick a fight.

6. Workwear is still workwear, even in the heat

This depends on your working environment, but in many offices, there is still a dress code, even when it’s oppressively hot. Tailored shorts and loafers might be acceptable; short shorts and flip-flops are probably not. Your employers have an expectation that you will look smart and professional; they do not want you to come to work looking like you’re en route to the beach. Observe other people and how they dress and amend your wardrobe accordingly.

7. Go prepared

You’ll need to consume plenty of water in this weather, so carrying around a flask or bottle, which can be frequently replenished, is always a good idea. Keep a vigilant eye open for anyone who appears to be struggling in the heat, and always be ready to offer water to anyone who’s flushed, sweating heavily, feeling dizzy or breathing heavily. It is always a good idea to carry a clean cotton handkerchief, which you can use for mopping your brow or drying sticky hands.

8. Stay calm

Tempers can get frayed when we’re hot and bothered and you may find yourself embroiled in some prickly interactions. Trains are packed with excited babies and children enjoying summer expeditions and noise levels rise accordingly. If you live somewhere that is attractive to visitors, you may find your usual haunts are suddenly colonised by strangers and you are unable to get a table in your favourite café or board your usual bus. Do your utmost to take these inconveniences in your stride: wear headphones on public transport to block out the noise; remind yourself that visitors to your hometown are providing a much-needed boost to the economy; accept that these few summery days are an exceptional break from routine and that normal life is bound to be disrupted.

9. Talk the Talk

Be prepared to engage in endless encounters where the weather is the main topic of conversation. You might find the remarks that are proffered are boring, blindingly obvious, or needlessly negative, but you must listen politely and, if possible, make your own observations on this riveting topic. It’s a social obligation.

10. Stay sober

Hot weather inevitably means great thirst. While slaking that thirst with water is the sensible option, many of us turn to the delights of summer cocktails in ice-filled glasses, perfectly chilled glasses of white wine, or copious quantities of thirst-quenching beer. These choices seem overwhelmingly attractive when we sit down in a shady spot after a hot day in the city and a sticky commute. Summer drinking is highly convivial, and the warm evenings may even tempt us to interact more openly with our neighbours. But beware: it is very easy to drink far more than usual, with dire consequences, including rows, rowdiness, and hangovers. Remind yourself that alcohol should not be used to quench your thirst, and alternate alcoholic drinks with copious quantities of ice-cold water.