The plan is scheduled to be activated this Friday, September 4, at 8:00 a.m. and remain in place until Monday, September 7, at 8:00 a.m. The city council has also reported that, as usual, this timeframe may be adjusted or extended depending on the forecast confirmed for the following days.
CLIMATE SHELTERS
Among the measures adopted for these situations, the individual admission price at the four municipal swimming pools that remain open will be reduced, provided tickets are purchased at the box office. The cost will fall from 4 euros to 2.5 euros for adults; from 2.70 to 2 euros for minors; and from 2.60 to 2 euros for people over 65 and pensioners.
In addition, Zaragoza City Council has a municipal network of climate shelters, making spaces available to the most vulnerable residents where they can take refuge when the heat may even pose a health risk. The network includes senior citizens' community centers and civic centers across the city, as well as other municipal buildings such as the headquarters of the Environment Office at Casa Jiménez.
Zaragoza's Municipal Public Libraries are also places where residents can take refuge during opening hours while making use of their various programs and activities. In total, more than 60 municipal facilities of different types are available during their opening hours so residents who wish to do so can escape the heat. Access points to these shelters have already been signposted to make them known and inform citizens that they can use them as places to cool down.
INFORMATION CAMPAIGN AND OLDER PEOPLE
As every year, an information campaign has been carried out through leaflets and social media, aimed at the entire population and offering advice and self-protection measures against the heat. The Department of Social Policies will also contact the most vulnerable older people who use the Home Help and Telecare Services, conveying basic health care recommendations for hot weather so that they can keep them in mind over the coming days.
In recent years, the Green Infrastructure Service has strengthened the city's public water network and climate-comfort facilities, with a particular focus on the arrival of high summer temperatures. As a new development, three fresh-water dispensers have been installed at Balcón de San Lázaro, Frente Fluvial and Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta. They join a wide range of measures introduced since 2024 to facilitate hydration, play and rest in the shade in public spaces.
The recreational and family-oriented component has also advanced with the addition of children's water play areas. In 2024, following a request from local residents, a "Remojachicos" was installed in Parque de la Tolerancia (Actur), and in 2025 a new facility was added in Plaza Bámbola, in Valdespartera, providing safe options for children to play and cool off during the hottest months. All these measures form part of the City's Climate Change Adaptation Plan and are coordinated under the Municipal Civil Protection Plan for heatwaves.
All information relating to high temperatures has been updated on a portal on the municipal website, where residents can download advice, find the locations and opening hours of climate shelters, consult the city's drinking-water fountain map and use the shade viewer. These are different tools that can help residents take more appropriate measures to protect themselves from the heat.
EXTREME PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
The city council is reminding residents to take extreme precautions to prevent health problems caused by high temperatures. Although anyone can suffer heat-related disorders, people over 65, children under five and those carrying out activities requiring significant physical exertion face a higher risk and should therefore be especially protected.
For this reason, the Office for Older People, community social services and the municipal Telecare Service will inform users of all the recommendations through posters, leaflets and personalized assistance.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Shelter will take measures to guarantee accommodation and proper hydration for users, and will convey the relevant recommendations to help them avoid risks. Civil Protection volunteers will monitor open spaces and green areas to respond to incidents and remind residents about personal care, while the fountains will be activated so citizens can cool off.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Zaragoza City Council recommends taking extreme precautions in hot weather, particularly by maintaining good hydration, avoiding alcohol and heavy meals, and wearing light-colored, lightweight and breathable clothing. It also advises protecting yourself from the sun with a cap or hat and sunscreen with a protection factor above 15, applied before going outside and reapplied frequently.
At home, windows and shutters should be kept closed during the hottest hours and rooms should be ventilated at night, when temperatures fall. It is also advisable to avoid intense physical exertion and schedule activities for the early morning or evening. Children, older people and animals should never be left inside closed vehicles.
Excessive heat may result from very intense, short-term exposure or from exposure sustained over time. The first signs are cramps, skin irritation or burns, exhaustion or an elevated temperature. In such cases, people should seek shelter in the shade or in an air-conditioned place; drink a cool, non-alcoholic beverage, rest, take a cool bath or shower and put on lightweight clothing.
If more serious symptoms appear, such as headache, vomiting or loss of consciousness, medical attention should be sought quickly through the emergency department or by calling 061 or 112.
