A severe heat advisory has been issued for several cities in Texas and New Mexico as a relentless heat wave continues to blanket the region.
Forecasters are warning residents to take precautions as temperatures rise well above average, posing significant health risks and straining local infrastructure.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported that dangerously hot conditions will continue in parts of the Southwest through Saturday, with high temperatures of 103 to 105 degrees, with some relief expected on Sunday.
High temperatures and high humidity can cause illness, and the NWS offers precautionary and preparedness tips, such as drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room, staying out of the sun, and checking on family and neighbors.
A construction worker drinks a Gatorade during a heat wave in Houston, Texas, July 14, 2023. A heat warning has been implemented in Texas and New Mexico on June 2024. A construction worker drinks a Gatorade during a heat wave in Houston, Texas, July 14, 2023. A heat warning was implemented in Texas and New Mexico in June 2024. Mark Felix/AFP//Keynote USA/Getty Images
If you need to venture outdoors, take extra precautions, such as wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, and try to limit strenuous activities in the early morning or evening.
The NWS also advises: “Look before you lock! Do not leave small children and pets in unattended vehicles even for a moment. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures very quickly.”
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone who is overwhelmed by the heat should be moved to a cool, shady location.
The NWS recommends taking action when you notice symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke include throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry, or clammy skin, rapid, strong pulse, fainting, or loss of consciousness.
The heat advisory was issued for the following cities and counties in Texas and New Mexico:
Eastern/Central El Paso County
Rio Grande Valley of eastern El Paso/western Hudspeth counties-
Eastern Hudspeth County’s Rio Grande Valley, including the cities of Tornillo, Socorro, Indian Hot Springs,
Fort Hancock, Fabens, Fort Bliss, and east and northeast El Paso
Heat advisories for all of the above are in effect until 6 a.m. MDT Sunday.
The National Weather Service in Amarillo, Texas, has heat advisories for Palo Duro Canyon County, including cities in Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
The heat advisory remains in effect from noon Saturday until 8 pm Saturday night CDT and heat index values as high as 104 are expected.
Midland/Odessa
Guadalupe Mountains of Eddy County
Guadalupe and Delaware Mountains
Davis Mountains, including the cities of Fort Davis, Pine Springs, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Queen.
The heat advisory is in effect until 7 pm Saturday CDT and temperatures as high as 95 to 97 degrees are expected.
For additional information, visit http://www.weather.gov
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