Triple-digit heat has reached Albuquerque. Thus, the city is launching Operation Cool Down 2026 with 22 community centers, pools, splash pads, and shelters.
In line with this, residents can use air-conditioners in public buildings across the city including libraries, senior centers, and community centers while the temperature climbs this week and a potential Super El Niño approaches.
Mayor Tim Keller said extreme heat is a serious public safety issue that is why they are treating it right away.
“Extreme heat is a serious public safety issue, and we are treating it that way,” he said. “Our job is to make sure people know where to go, how to get help, and that no one is left outside without options,” he added.
Where to go
Residents can use the city’s 22 community centers, which offers game rooms, gyms, workout areas and quiet rooms. Mayor Keller said people can sign up online for a free Play Pass to use community centers.
They also said pools and splash pads are open for the whole summer, with pool fees ranging from $1 for toddlers to $3 for adults at locations across the city.
Utilizing Park Sprinklers
As part of the Operation Cooldown 2026, the Parks & Recreation Department (PRD) is turning on sprinklers again at select neighborhood parks.
Sprinklers will be activated starting Wednesday, June 17 when the city is forecast to reach 100°F or higher, except Sundays. Sprinklers will run from 1 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. at selected parks.
The first group of parks who will participate Operation Cooldown includes: Academy Hills Park (9709 Layton Ave. NE), Seville Park (6200 Burgos Ave. NW), Jack and Jill Park (433 Arizona St. SE), Sierra Sunset Park (10600 Big Springs Rd. SW), and Villella Park (6910 Cherokee Rd. NE)
Shelter For Those On The Street
The city said Gateway System provides 24/7 shelter and support for people experiencing homelessness, including indoor space, meals, services, treatment connections and housing navigations.
Meanwhile, Matthews-Trigg, program manager for mobile homelessness response with New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) says not everyone has the resources to get cool and stay cool.
“While some of us have the resources to get cool, to stay cool, not everybody has that,” Matthews-Trigg said.
He and harm reduction communications specialist Kelly Watson helped launch the department’s heat and safety initiative which raise awareness of the danger extreme temperatures can pose to people facing homelessness.
“It’s all about reducing harm wherever we can, helping people where they are, meeting them where they are,” Watson said.
One of the biggest concerns are making sure people know the difference between heatstroke and an overdose, as many symptoms like slurred speech, passing out, seizures and more can overlap.
“You can also assess for other things that occur with an overdose, like their color kind of going with heat stroke, they might be more like red and hot to the touch, versus an overdose, where they’re going to be turning more blue, gray,” she said.
She also added that you can administer Narcan if you can’t tell the difference since it won’t harm someone if they aren’t experiencing an overdose.
NMDOH also put up heat kits as part of the campaign. The kit includes cooling towels, sunscreen, bug spray, and more. Community partners and the department’s mobile unit are distributing this kits
Others Are Helping Out
Pastor Joanne Landy with Interfaith Bible Center has seen firsthand how drug use can turn into heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
“I don’t think they know really when to hydrate, and I think that’s what happens too, is with the addiction and everything going on, and they just go, go, go,” Landry said.
Landry provides dozens if not hundreds if people facing homelessness with resources like cooling towels, water, and sunscreen. She said the church is always accepting donations.
She is also worried about pets, not just humans.
“They just walk in the hot, hot sidewalks and pavement. So we’re thinking of getting little baby booties,” Landry said.
Tips and Recommendations For Residents
Residents should monitor for heat exhaustion signs like heavy sweating, muscle cramps, clammy skin, and a fast, weak pulse. Heat stroke symptoms include a body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, nausea, dizziness, and a fast, strong pulse.
Hydrating yourself is also one of the tips as well as not staying to much outdoor particularly during afternoon.