Staying cool during the ongoing heat wave can be challenging, and the city of Santa Fe is offering several resources to help residents and visitors escape the extreme temperatures.
Several city-operated facilities are available as cooling spaces, including public libraries, the Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center, recreation centers and indoor swimming pools.
Santa Fe Public Library branches are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. Libraries are closed Sundays.
The Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Residents can cool off at city recreation centers, and visitors are welcome to hang out in the air-conditioned lobbies for free. If you want to use the swimming pools or other amenities, standard admission rates still apply.
Also, Santa Fe Trails is temporarily lifting its rules against loitering on buses. That means passengers can stay on board air-conditioned routes as long as needed to escape the extreme heat.
City officials are urging the public to stay hydrated, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, apply sunscreen, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
The city has posted additional information, updates and heat safety advisories on its website.
