As temperatures soar across Europe, cities are rolling out innovative measures to help residents cope with extreme heat—and the UK is taking note. In Amsterdam, a network of "cool-down" spots has been set up in libraries, city farms, theatres, churches, community centres and even supermarkets, offering seating, drinking water and toilets, many open to pets. The pilot phase concentrates 12 such spots in Nieuw-West, the district identified as facing the greatest heat risk, based on shade availability, numbers of vulnerable residents (young children and older people), and how quickly homes heat up. Schools across the continent are also adapting, with many moving to "tropical" timetables: shorter school days, fewer lessons, extra breaks, more drinks and increased ventilation. There is no legal maximum classroom temperature, so each school decides its own measures, guided by the principle that conditions must be safe and healthy.
Why are these measures necessary? Europe is in the grip of a scorching heatwave, with temperature records expected to fall. In the UK, June 2026 saw new highs for the month, prompting warnings about open water safety as people flock to rivers and reservoirs to cool down—but also raising concerns about drowning incidents. Meanwhile, in Paris, the town hall of the 10th arrondissement is offering free cinema tickets for afternoon sessions to those under 25 or over 65, partnering with three independent air-conditioned cinemas. Lyon has temporarily suspended charging in municipal museums, and across France there has been a run on Blanc de Meudon (Meudon Whiting), a chalky powder mixed with water and painted on windows to reduce the sun's rays and lower indoor temperatures. In Spain, the north-eastern region of Aragón has reduced entry prices for public swimming pools in cities like Zaragoza and Huesca. Even animals are being hosed down by zookeepers to stay cool.
“How European cities are helping residents cope with extreme heat, and what the UK can learn.”
For UK readers, these examples offer a blueprint for adapting to more frequent heatwaves. The UK has no mandatory maximum temperature for workplaces or schools, and the recent spike in temperatures has led to a surge in open water swimming, but with risks. The European strategies—from cool-down spots to chalk on windows—could inform local councils, schools and businesses looking to protect vulnerable people without relying solely on air conditioning. The underlying principle is that safe and healthy conditions are achievable through low-tech, community-based solutions.
Q: What are "cool-down spots" and where can I find them? Cool-down spots are designated public spaces—libraries, community centres, churches, theatres, even supermarkets—that provide free seating, drinking water and toilets as a refuge from the heat. Amsterdam's pilot has 12 spots in the Nieuw-West district, but similar concepts are being explored in other European cities.
Q: Can I use chalk on windows to cool my home? Yes, a product called Blanc de Meudon (Meudon Whiting) is being used in France. You mix the chalky powder with water and paint it on windows to reflect sunlight, reducing indoor temperatures. It has proven effective and is available in DIY shops.
Q: Is there a legal maximum temperature for UK schools or workplaces? No, there is no legal maximum classroom or workplace temperature in the UK. Each school or employer decides on measures like shorter hours, extra breaks and increased ventilation, guided by the need to maintain safe and healthy conditions.
What happens next? As heatwaves become more common, more European cities are likely to adopt similar low-cost cooling strategies. The UK government may face pressure to introduce guidance or regulations on maximum temperatures, especially for schools and care homes. Meanwhile, public health warnings about open water safety will continue, and the demand for products like window chalk and access to public pools and air-conditioned spaces is expected to rise.