Heat wave: Cologne wants to use water mist to cool down 

Created: 07/16/2022, 18:18

By: Johanna Werning

It's getting hot in Cologne.

Up to 38 degrees are possible.

The city wants to use water mist as a precaution during the heat wave – and create a cool oasis.

Cologne – It's getting hot in the cathedral city.

From Sunday, July 17th, a heat wave will hit Cologne.

It should be up to 38 degrees hot.

The city then really heats up, especially in densely populated areas such as Cologne city centre.

And that can quickly become dangerous for some people.

“Children, the sick, the elderly and people with disabilities are particularly susceptible to heat stress.

Even in healthy people, heat can lead to exhaustion and reduced performance,” warns the city of Cologne.

Cologne: water mist against heat hammer - city provides cooling

The city of Cologne is also taking special measures to protect against the heat wave (IDZRW assembly) © Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa & Chris Emil Janßen/Imago

To counteract this, the city of Cologne is now starting a curious test, reports 24RHEIN.

The plan: An urban water mist attack against the Heat Hammer.

The procedure: "On Monday, July 18, 2022, in the Rheingarten below Heinrich-Böll-Platz in front of the Hohenzollern Bridge, cool water will be sprayed into the area for about four hours using a perforated water hose," says the city.

This is intended to cool down the old town in this area at midday.

Not the only heat wave measure in Cologne.

There are free drinking water fountains throughout Cologne so that people drink enough on the go.

Cologne wants to fight the heat wave with water hoses

The hotspot cooling with water mist is a first test attempt.

"This is a first test for organization and technology, but the hygienic conditions and impact are also an issue," explains the city.

The aim is to create summer oases where it is not quite as hot.

"Because high temperatures put a strain on the human organism - it is particularly difficult for vulnerable groups," says the city.

"By cooling with water hoses, tolerable lounge areas with a beneficial effect on health protection can be created in overheated urban spaces."

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Cologne: City wants to fight against heat hammer - despite lack of water

It is not yet clear whether it will remain a one-time attempt or whether the water mist oasis will also find a place in Cologne in the future.

The problem: the waters of Cologne are already suffering from extreme drought.

"The streams are currently carrying little or no water at all," warn the Cologne municipal drainage works.

That is why there is now a general decree stating that taking water from all Cologne streams is prohibited.

"The property owners whose gardens are located directly on these watercourses are particularly affected - they are also prohibited from taking water," explains the city.

The city does not say how much water is needed for the city's water mist.