Lombardy opens cooling centers and deploys volunteers with free water amid heat wave

The Asst Ovest Milanese activated "Cold spot" cooling centers in the community houses of Busto Garolfo and Magenta. These climate‑controlled spaces are staffed to offer shelter, health orientation and referral to services for elderly, chronically ill and socially vulnerable residents during periods of high temperature.

In parallel, the Lombardy regional authority and civil‑protection volunteers launched a "Piano caldo" in Milan, distributing free bottled water and providing advice on coping with the heat. Officials highlighted the risk of blackouts from increased electricity demand and urged vulnerable citizens to stay hydrated, avoid the hottest hours, wear breathable clothing and keep living spaces cool.