The city said three public facilities will remain available for residents seeking relief from potentially triple-digit heat.

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - The City of Las Cruces will extend the availability of cooling stations through Saturday as daytime temperatures are forecast to reach or exceed 100 degrees.

The National Weather Service’s El Paso office is forecasting high temperatures in Las Cruces through at least Saturday, according to the city.

Cooling stations offer temporary shelter from the heat for older adults, high-risk residents and members of the public. Residents are encouraged to call cooling stations in advance to verify hours of operation.

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., will be open as a cooling station from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The library can be reached at 575-528-4000 or TTY 711.

Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Terminal, 300 W. Lohman Ave., will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The terminal can be reached at 575-541-2500 or TTY 711.

Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave., is currently under construction, but areas that remain open to the public will continue to operate as a cooling station. The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The center can be reached at 575-541-2563 or TTY 711.

Residents are reminded to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun and check on relatives, neighbors and pets. People working or spending time outdoors should take extra precautions and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours when possible.

People at higher risk of heat-related illness include infants and young children, older adults, people with disabilities, people with chronic heart or lung conditions, people who are overweight, people who work outdoors or in hot environments, people taking certain medications and people who are isolated and may not recognize when they need to cool off or seek help.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that outdoor workers take frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location as quickly as possible. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Anyone experiencing symptoms should call 911 immediately.