ABC-7 FIRST ALERT IN EFFECT: Las Cruces opens ‘cooling stations’
Officials in one southern New Mexico city have opened a handful of “cooling stations” where residents can find temporary relief from the heat wave.
Las Cruces officials say the stations at community and recreation centers around the city are designed to help the elderly and other high-risk residents who could be affected by the extreme temperatures.
The stations will be in operation only for certain times of the day.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service say temperatures across southern New Mexico’s lower elevations are expected to top out about 10 to 15 degrees above normal Wednesday.
A heat advisory has been issue for the area. It warns that afternoon highs between 105 and 110 will be common across the region through Saturday.
An advisory also has been issued for parts of central and western New Mexico.
The locations and hours of operation are:
Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell St. Mon – Fri 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (575) 528-3000
Henry R. Benavidez Community Center ,1045 McClure Rd. Mon – Fri 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (575) 541-2005
Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave. Mon – Fri 8 a.m. to 9 p.m and Sat 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (575) 541-2563
Munson Center, 975 S. Mesquite St. Mon – Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (575) 541-3000
Sage Cafe, 6121 Reynolds Dr. Tues – Fri 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (575) 528-3151
Cooling stations provide immediate, temporary relief during periods of extreme heat. They are not intended as overnight emergency shelters.
