As part of the national network of shelters, spaces to stay cool will be available to everyone, Sanchez said.
Shelters will be funded by the government in areas “that need them most, where the heat really hits people the hardest,” he added.
The rollout will be in addition to existing networks already set up by regional governments including in Catalonia, the Basque Country and Murcia.
In Barcelona – the capital of the Catalonia region – about 400 climate shelters already exist in buildings including libraries, museums, sports facilities and shopping malls.
The air conditioned spaces, usually with seating and free water, are meant to provide people with a refuge from the heat, particularly those with health problems, older people, babies, and those with limited resources.