- How Hesse's municipalities stay cool despite the heat
Heat stress in Hessian cities is increasing. Especially since the end of the 1980s, the average summer temperature in the state has significantly risen, according to the Hessian Agency for Nature Conservation, Environmental Protection and Geology (HLNUG).
"A warmer and very warm summers are occurring more frequently, and even the relatively cool summers of today are still warmer than the average summers of previous decades," explained a spokeswoman for the agency. Many municipalities are taking measures to reduce the health risks of heat to the population and protect infrastructure. Here are some examples:
Frankfurt protects infrastructure and population
In Frankfurt, exposed railway tracks have been painted white for several years to lower the temperature of the rails. On hot summer days, temperatures of up to 60 degrees have been measured on some tracks, according to the city's public transport company (VGF). This can cause tensions, so-called track bucklings, which could potentially lead to train derailments. "We have also started painting switch boxes white, as the sun also significantly heats the technology installed there," explained a VGF spokesman.
The population is also to be protected from the health effects of heat. A spokeswoman for the health department refers to an interactive cool spots map for the inner city, which shows places where you can cool down. Since this year, there has also been a heat webpage with all the information.
White railway tracks also in Kassel
The Kassel transport company (KVG) is doing the same as in Frankfurt. Since this summer, there are also white railway tracks in the north Hessian city, because the tracks are increasingly warping in the longer and hotter summers. The consequences are delays in trains, as they can only drive slowly over these points. "In the worst case, the operation has to be stopped due to the strongly deformed track," said a spokesman.
In the north Hessian city, the road traffic office has been installing light-colored asphalt surfaces for years, which lowers the temperature of the road surface by up to eight degrees. "This also benefits our road infrastructure, as we increase the durability of the asphalt layers and thus reduce the formation of ruts," explained a spokesman.
The telephone service "Sunshade" is also available in Kassel this year. The city's senior citizens' council provides registered senior citizens with free telephone information about current heat warnings from the German Weather Service (DWD) for Kassel. The city will also set up five drinking water fountains this year, with more to follow in the next three years.
Cool city map in Gießen
In Gießen, the DWD heat warnings are currently displayed on all public transport information boards in the city and additionally in the pedestrian zone on two info stands. A red button indicates the heat warning. When touched by hand, an info page with further information opens. In case of an acute heat warning, a clear warning is also displayed on the city's website.
In the central Hessian city, a "Cool City Map" provides cooling. It shows, among other things, swimming pools, cool parks, playgrounds and retreat buildings. The map also shows water points and refill stations where you can fill up with tap water for free.
Drinking Fountains and Free Refill Stations in Hanau
Hanau city has compiled a selection of cool, green, and shady spots in the city, which it calls the "Cool Map". This includes a large green strip along the Kinzig river that flows through the city, as well as smaller parks and facilities. The map also provides an overview of cool retreats, such as those at the town hall, Kinopolis cinema, and the cultural forum.
Refill stations are indicated by blue refill stickers on windows or entrance doors in shops, offices, restaurants, and public facilities. This year, Hanau has installed its first public drinking fountain, located in a shady area at the edge of the central Freedom Square and expected to be operational soon.
Heat Action Plan in Darmstadt
Darmstadt has four public drinking fountains, with three more planned by the end of the year. The city has also established a network of refill stations, with participating businesses in the city center displaying a logo at their entrance. The city administration plans to publish a "Cool Spots" map in the coming weeks.
Darmstadt published a heat action plan at the beginning of July, targeting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, homeless, pregnant women, and young children, with tips on how to behave during heat waves.
Water Fountain in Offenbach
From August 8 onwards, a water fountain on Aliceplatz in Offenbach's city center will provide cooling on hot days, as it did last year. The city has installed 1,024 jets covering 100 square meters, creating water fountains up to four meters high. The area lights up in different colors in the evenings, and the water quality is checked every morning before operation by the city service.
Financial Challenges for Municipalities
The Hesse State Association of Cities requests financial assistance for municipalities in implementing heat protection measures. "Cities face financial challenges in implementing these measures and cannot solve every structural situation," the association told the German Press Agency. Due to varying financial capacities, municipalities cannot implement every sensible measure and must adapt to local conditions. The state is also required to consider this additional task in the financial support of municipalities.
The weather in Hessian cities is a major concern, with the average summer temperature significantly increasing since the 1980s. Due to these rising temperatures, municipalities like Frankfurt, Kassel, Gießen, Hanau, and Darmstadt are implementing measures to protect both infrastructure and the population from heat-related risks.
