The City of Las Cruces has extended the availability of cooling stations through at least Saturday as forecasters predict daytime temperatures will reach or exceed 100 degrees.

Cooling Stations Provide Relief

Cooling stations provide temporary shelter from the heat for older adults, high-risk residents, and the general public. City officials encourage residents to call facilities ahead of time to verify operating hours.

The Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, located at 200 E. Picacho Ave., will operate as a cooling station from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Terminal, located at 300 W. Lohman Ave., is available from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The Meerscheidt Recreation Center, located at 1600 E. Hadley Ave., remains available as a cooling station despite ongoing construction. Designated public areas are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Heat Safety Precautions

City officials are reminding residents to stay hydrated, remain in air-conditioned spaces when possible, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and check on relatives, neighbors, and pets during periods of extreme heat.

People working or spending time outdoors are encouraged to take extra precautions and schedule strenuous activities during the early morning or evening hours. Officials also urged residents to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.