Lorca prepares for scorching summer as street awnings go up

Ground temperatures can be reduced by 15ºC under the awnings of Lorca!

Although it’s still May the daytime temperatures in the Region of Murcia are reaching well into the 30s this week, and in response the Town Hall of Lorca has confirmed that the awnings which are hung over the main pedestrian shopping streets of the city are now being installed for the summer.

This is the eighth year that the awnings have provided welcome shade in Calle Corredera, Calle Alporchones, Calle Pío XII and other streets, using a total of 1,900 square metres of fireproof fabric to add to the 350 m2 of permanent protection already provided in Plaza Arcoíris. Councillor Santiago Parra explains that one of the effects is to ensure that these “oases of shade” help to maintain the level of trading in local shops and businesses, making the heat less of a deterrent to customers and clients.

It is calculated that the average reduction in air temperature provided by the awnings is generally around 5ºC, sometimes reaching as much as 9ºC, while ground temperature can be made more bearable by an astonishing 15 to 20ºC. Little wonder, then, that shoppers and workers in this part of Lorca are grateful for the relief provided!

For more visiting information, local events and news contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.