The plan is scheduled to be activated on September 4 at 8:00 a.m. and remain in effect until Monday, September 7, at 8:00 a.m. The city council has also reported that, as usual, this time frame 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 are still open will be reduced, provided tickets are purchased at the box office. The cost will drop 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 that provides the most vulnerable residents with spaces where they can take refuge when the heat may even pose a health risk. Alongside the city's senior citizens' community centers and civic centers, other municipal buildings include the headquarters of the Environmental Office at Casa Jiménez.
Likewise, Zaragoza's Municipal Public Libraries are also places where residents can seek 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 shelter from the heat. Access points to these shelters have already been marked so that residents are aware of them and know 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 providing advice and self-protection measures against the heat. The Social Policies Department will also contact the most vulnerable older people who use the Home Help and Telecare services to provide them with basic health care recommendations for dealing with the heat, so they can keep them firmly 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 the San Lázaro Balcony, the Riverfront and José Antonio Labordeta Grande Park. They add to a large number of initiatives carried out 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, at residents' request, a "Remojachicos" was installed in Tolerance Park (Actur), and in 2025 a new project was added in Bámbola Square, in Valdespartera, providing children with safe options for play and cooling off during the hottest months. All these initiatives form part of the City's Climate Change Adaptation Plan and are coordinated within the Municipal Civil Protection Plan for heatwaves.
All information related to high temperatures has been updated on a portal on the municipal website, where residents can download advice, find the location and opening hours of climate shelters, view the city's drinking-water fountain map and access the shade viewer. These tools allow residents to adopt more appropriate measures to protect themselves from the heat.
EXTREME PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
The city council is reminding residents to take extra precautions to avoid health problems caused by high temperatures. Although anyone can suffer health problems from excessive heat, people over 65, children under five and those engaged in activities requiring significant physical effort face greater risks and should therefore receive special protection.
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 adequate hydration for its users, and will convey the appropriate 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 turned on so people can cool off.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Zaragoza City Council recommends taking extra precautions in hot weather, especially by staying well hydrated, 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, residents are advised to keep windows and blinds closed during the hottest hours and ventilate 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. Early signs include cramps, skin irritation or burns, exhaustion or an elevated temperature. In such cases, people should seek shelter in the shade or 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 service or by calling 061 or 112.
