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Prague city officials launch interactive cooling map to help residents manage increasing urban heat waves.

Prague city officials have introduced a new interactive online map to help residents and visitors navigate hundreds of cooling locations across the Czech capital. The tool identifies drinking fountains, misting stations, decorative fountains, and natural water sources, allowing people to quickly find relief from the rising temperatures. Jan Richter, a climate adaptation specialist at Prague City Hall, highlighted the new fountain in Wenceslas Square as a key feature. The city is also investing in greenery, as Richter noted that mature trees serve as the most effective natural defense against extreme heat. Climate researcher Pavel Zahradníček explained that central Prague is warming faster than the surrounding countryside due to the urban heat island effect, where buildings and roads release heat long after sunset. The administration plans to expand the map to include air-conditioned public buildings and specific 'cool zones' to ensure the city remains resilient against future heat waves.

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