Haarlem opens free cooling stations as heatwave hits Dutch cities

The municipality of Haarlem has set up eleven indoor cooling stations across the city, offering free air‑conditioned rooms, shaded areas and drinking water for residents whose homes have become too hot. Locations include De Schuur, Club Schalkwijk, several shopping centres and churches, while nearby parks such as the Schoterbos and Haarlemmerhout provide natural shade. The city invites additional businesses and organisations to open their cooled spaces to the public.

In Belgium, experts advise households to reduce summer electricity use by maintaining freezers properly – regular defrosting, ensuring adequate ventilation and keeping the freezer about 70‑80 % full. Similar energy‑saving measures are recommended for air‑conditioning units: set temperatures to 24‑26 °C, keep doors and windows closed, clean filters, use shading, and start the unit before indoor heat peaks. These steps can lower power consumption and improve comfort during heat waves.