New Mexico Health Officials Warn of Heat Illness

news

Published March 17th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

New Mexico health officials have issued a warning about heat illness due to rising temperatures expected to exceed 90 degrees. The notice highlights vulnerable populations and provides preventative measures. Last summer, there were 834 heat-related emergency department visits in the state.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

New Mexico health officials have issued a public health warning regarding the dangers of heat illness as temperatures are projected to exceed 90 degrees across the state, starting earlier than usual in the season. The warning emphasizes the risks to vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and individuals with chronic health conditions, and details the symptoms of heat-related illnesses. The notice also provides actionable advice for residents to protect themselves, such as staying indoors, drinking plenty of water, wearing appropriate clothing, and scheduling outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.

Regulated entities, particularly those with outdoor workers or vulnerable client populations, should review their heat safety protocols and ensure employees are informed about the risks and preventative measures. Employers should consider adjusting work schedules, providing adequate hydration, and ensuring access to shaded or cool areas for outdoor workers. Healthcare providers should be prepared for an increase in heat-related emergency department visits and educate patients on recognizing and responding to heat illness symptoms. The New Mexico Department of Health provides a helpline and text service for further assistance.

What to do next

Review and update heat illness prevention protocols for outdoor workers.
Ensure adequate hydration and cooling measures are available for vulnerable populations.
Educate employees and clients on recognizing and responding to heat illness symptoms.

Source document (simplified)

Health officials warn of heat illness as temperature rise

March 17, 2026 - Environmental Health - Safety SANTA FE – New Mexico health officials are warning residents to watch for heat illness this week as temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees across much of New Mexico starting Thursday – dangerously early in the season, before most residents have acclimated to the heat or set up home cooling systems.

New Mexico is among 14 western U.S. states, including Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Utah expecting record-breaking heat.

“Last summer there were 834 heat-related emergency department visits around the state,” said Chelsea Eastman Langer, Chief of the New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMDOH) Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau. “Children, adults over 65, outdoor workers, and people with chronic health conditions are the most vulnerable – and they need to take extra care when temperatures climb.”

Heat-related illness symptoms include:

Warm, red skin that can progress to cold, pale and clammy skin.
Fast, weak pulse.
Nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps.
Tiredness, weakness or dizziness leading to possibly passing out. Heat illness can progress very quickly. Seek medical attention if you experience a fever or chills, nausea or vomiting, or confusion from the heat.

NMDOH advises residents to protect themselves from heat-related illness by taking the following steps:

Stay cool inside. Keep window shades drawn during the day to help keep the heat out. When outside, stay in shade areas when possible.
Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
Schedule outdoor activities for cooler times of the day.
Never leave children or pets in the car. Visit NMTracking for more information on heat-related illness or call the NMDOH Helpline if you need assistance at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773). You can also text questions to 66364 (NMDOH).

Media Contact

We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Morgan at 575-528-5197 (Office) or 575-649-0754 (Mobile) with your questions.

Versión en Español

En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción.

Las autoridades de salud advierten sobre los riesgos de enfermedades relacionadas con el calor ante el aumento de las temperaturas