"Hot weather alert in North Rhine-Westphalia: Discovering the 'refreshing spots'"
In the sweltering heat of summer, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) cities are offering relief to their residents. While specific lists of cool spots may not be publicly available, NRW cities with heat action plans typically provide public spaces with shade, water fountains, and air-conditioned public buildings as part of their relief strategies.
The heat action plans in major German cities, including those in NRW, prioritise urban green spaces and shaded parks for natural cooling. Public water fountains are provided for hydration and localized cooling, while heat-resistant infrastructure such as light-colored surfaces and reflective materials on buildings help reduce ambient temperatures. Access to air-conditioned public facilities like libraries, community centers, and cooling stations is also crucial during heat emergencies.
These measures form part of broader strategies like the “sponge city” approach, which aims to mitigate both heat and flooding risks. The goal is to create safe, accessible areas for vulnerable populations and the general public during extreme heat.
While only 17 cities in NRW have heat action plans in place, including Bielefeld, Cologne, Bergisch Gladbach, and Wuppertal (since spring 2025), efforts to improve heat protection must continue. Professor Lamia Messari-Becker recommends a three-level system for heat protection: immediate measures, city adaptation, and protection of critical infrastructure.
Immediate measures include Düsseldorf's misting system, public fountains, and heat warning systems. Cologne has a mobile sprinkler system for cooling. City adaptation involves creating green spaces instead of further sealing off public spaces.
The protection of critical infrastructure is also crucial. Hospitals, water and energy supply, and schools must be better equipped against heat. The State Office for Health and Occupational Safety has a list of heat action plans, and some cities have announced they will follow suit.
As temperatures soar, it's crucial to ensure that critical facilities can maintain their operations. In extreme heatwaves, it's not just about staying cool, but also about ensuring the smooth running of essential services.
For more information on heat action plans in NRW, visit our website Studios NRW. The article is available until 14.08.2027.
[1] Heat Action Plan Bielefeld [2] Heat Action Plan Cologne [3] Heat Action Plan Dortmund [4] Heat Action Plan Wuppertal [5] Heat Action Plan Bergisch Gladbach
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