LAS CRUCES – As temperatures are expected to reach near or above 100 degrees on Saturday, New Mexico health officials are urging residents to take precautions against heat-related illness while the City of Las Cruces continues to offer cooling stations for those needing relief from the extreme heat.
Since April 1, 453 people have visited New Mexico health care facilities for heat-related emergencies. During the summer of 2025, there were 761 heat-related emergency department visits statewide.
“It’s going to be a hot summer, and certain populations – including children, adults over 65, outdoor workers and people with chronic health conditions – are among the most at-risk when temperatures climb,” said Chelsea Langer, Chief of the New Mexico Department of Health’s Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau.
Health officials say symptoms of heat-related illness can include warm or red skin that may become cold and clammy, a rapid or weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, dizziness, weakness and fainting. Anyone experiencing fever, chills, confusion or persistent vomiting should seek medical attention immediately.
Residents are encouraged to stay indoors in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible, drink plenty of water, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Cooling stations available Saturday, July 11, include:
- Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Terminal, 300 W. Lohman Ave., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave. (designated public areas remain open during construction), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The City’s senior centers are closed on Saturdays and Sundays and will not serve as cooling stations this weekend.
Residents are encouraged to call cooling station locations ahead of time to verify hours before visiting.
KVLC 101 Gold- 101.1 FM- Classic Hits