From cool-down spots to chalk on windows - how Europeans are coping with the heat

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Much like the UK, countries across Europe are experiencing intense heat this week Published 25 minutes ago Europe is in the throes of a scorching heatwave, with temperature records expected to tumble in the coming days. We asked our reporters across the continent how people are dealing with the searing temperatures where they are. Dutch schools go 'tropical' and 'cool-down' spots in Amsterdam Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Amsterdam's heatwave is expected to peak at 38C later this week By Anna Holligan, in Amsterdam Amsterdam is rolling out a network of "cool‑down" spots across the city, offering residents a place to escape the worst of the heat. These spaces - in libraries, city farms, theatres, churches, community centres and even supermarkets - provide seating, drinking water and toilets, and many are open to pets as well. In the pilot phase, most of the 12 cool‑down spots will be concentrated in Nieuw‑West, the district that city modelling identified as facing the greatest heat risk. Officials weighed up how much shade is available, how many vulnerable residents such as young children and older people live there, and how quickly homes heat up. Schools are also adapting. Many are moving to "tropical" timetables in the coming days, with shorter school days or fewer lessons, more breaks, extra drinks and increased ventilation. Each school decides its own measures as there is no legal maximum classroom temperature. The guiding principle is that pupils and teachers must be able to work in conditions that are safe and healthy. Temperature records expected to fall across UK and Europe - live updates Free cinema tickets and a French chalk frenzy Image source, Getty Images Image caption, In Nantes, a school has coated its windows with chalk to shade pupils from the heat By Hugh Schofield, in Paris The town hall of the 10th arrondissement of Paris is offering free cinema tickets to help people get out of the heat. The plan is organised with three independent – and air-conditioned – cinemas. To qualify you have to be under 25 or over 65, and the offer is for afternoon sessions only. Cinemas, libraries and museums have been identified as places where people should be encouraged to go to escape the punishing temperatures. Some towns, such as Lyons, have temporarily suspended charging in municipal museums. According to French newspapers, there has been a run on a chalky product called Blanc de Meudon, or Meudon Whiting, in DIY shops. The powder is mixed with water and then painted on windows, thus diminishing the power of the sun's rays and in theory bringing down the inside temperature. It does actually seem to work. Fountains, pools and sprinklers working overtime in Spain Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Workers were seen sheltering under umbrellas in Madrid, where new heat-related protections were introduced in 2024 By Guy Hedgecoe, in Madrid The north-eastern Spanish region of Ara