From free museum tours to “climate oases” with cold drinks and air-con, European countries are searching for creative ways to beat the heatwave hitting the continent − without forgetting our four-legged friends.
Here is a look at some of the programmes put in place as record temperatures swept multiple countries.
Malta is not listed, but it could easily adopt some of the below initiatives. Any other suggestions are welcome!
Italy
Venice is offering free guided tours of air-conditioned museums and public buildings to people over 75, a demographic especially vulnerable to extreme heat.
In Rome, city swimming pools are free of charge for those over 70.
And hospitals such as the Ospedale dei Colli in Naples have set up dedicated heatstroke pathways to speed access to vital treatments including cold water immersion.
Netherlands
Schools in Rotterdam and across West Brabant province adopted “tropical schedules” on Tuesday, with shorter school hours − 8am to noon − and additional water breaks.
Germany
Since the late 19th century, Germany has had “hitzefrei”, or heat holidays.
When temperatures get too hot − 25°C or 27°C, for example, depending on the region − schools close for the afternoon, a popular policy with pupils.
Spain
Spain launched a protocol to protect women at risk of domestic violence, which tends to increase when temperatures are hot.
Authorities use computer algorithms to help identify those most vulnerable.
“Summer is a particularly dangerous period… We know July and August are particularly tragic months,” Equality Minister Ana Redondo said last week.
More than 40% of femicides in 2023 and 2024 happened during the summer months, according to her ministry’s figures.
High temperatures “exacerbate crisis dynamics in human relations and increase the likelihood of aggressive behaviour”, said the interior ministry.
Austria
Austria is offering 23 “climate oases” with air conditioning, snacks and drinks for those in need, sponsored by Catholic charity Caritas, which is also providing dedicated medical buses with volunteer doctors.
France
France partially or completely closed 1,350 of its 45,000 schools on Tuesday.
Some cities, such as Orleans, are also offering free access to museums.
Marseille made its public pools free of charge for the duration of the heatwave.
Paris, meanwhile, declared public parks and gardens would be open 24 hours a day, and extended hours for some pools until 10pm.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic’s state veterinary administration tightened transport checks from Tuesday to protect animals being transported in the heat.
