Prague is responding to the current heatwave: the city has activated its widespread spraying and irrigation programme. The aim is to temporarily cool streets, squares, and residential areas, reducing the strain on residents and visitors.
The capital, Prague, has activated its citywide irrigation and spraying programme. The reason is that the informative threshold for ground-level ozone (O₃) has been exceeded, with concentrations rising sharply due to the current heat and intense sunshine.
According to forecasts from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), elevated ozone levels are again expected today, Friday – particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. A relief in the situation is only expected on Saturday, when a slight drop in temperature and increased wind are anticipated.
The Prague 1 district also deployed its volunteer fire brigade with spraying equipment on the streets – not only in the most heavily trafficked parts of the centre, but also selectively in certain residential areas.
The operation began yesterday, Thursday morning, and is intended, among other things, to provide temporary cooling on the Old Town Square, around Prague Castle, and in purely residential areas.
Recycled water from the fire brigade reservoir is being used – a solution that is both ecological and economical. As in the previous year, the district relies on its own capacities to keep costs as low as possible, since large-scale spraying can quickly incur daily expenses in the six-figure koruna range.
Additionally, to make the currently extreme temperatures more bearable, refreshing mist showers are again installed at heavily frequented public spaces. This proven measure is intended to provide cooling for both locals and tourists during the hot summer months.
Locations of the mist showers:
- Újezd
- 2x on Náměstí Republiky
- Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
- Jungmann Square (Jungmannovo náměstí)
- Coal Market (Uhelný trh)
- Fruit Market (Ovocný trh)
- Havířská Street
