site.btaSofia Municipality Introduces Measures amid Forecasts for High Temperatures

In response to forecasts by the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology for high temperatures in early August, Sofia Municipality said on Tuesday that it is introducing a package of measures to support residents.

On August 5, 6 and 7, three points for the distribution of free mineral water will open at 1 p.m. at key locations in the city: in front of St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, at Serdika metro station, and by the pylons of the National Palace of Culture.

The municipality recalled that, in addition to the temporary water distribution points, more than 170 public drinking fountains operate across the capital, providing free access to drinking water in parks, gardens and public spaces.

On the same three days, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the demonstration climate shelter at 55 Veslets Street, set up by the Sofia Development Association, will also be open. Residents can cool off indoors or under a water mist system in the courtyard, drink water or read a book in an environment protected from the heat.

As part of the measures to address the high temperatures from August 5 to 7, Sofia Municipality will also spray water on 58 major boulevards, streets and squares after 1 p.m. The aim is to reduce the heating of road surfaces and mitigate the so-called urban heat island effect, in which temperatures in densely built-up areas are significantly higher.

The spraying will cover major transport arteries including Tsarigradsko Shose Boulevard, Bulgaria Boulevard, Slivnitsa Boulevard, Cherni Vrah Boulevard, Botevgradsko Shose Boulevard, Vladimir Vazov Boulevard, Tsaritsa Yoanna Boulevard and Lomsko Shose Boulevard, as well as central streets and squares and key routes connecting different parts of the city.