It’s going to be another scorcher in the Albuquerque metro, with temperatures expected to be in the triple digits on Tuesday. The National Weather Service is issuing a heat advisory for the second day in a row for the Middle Rio Grande Valley, to include all of Albuquerque. The advisory is in effect from 1-7 p.m. Tuesday for the Middle Rio Grande Valley, Northwest Plateau, Española Valley, Eastern San Miguel County, Quay County, Curry County, Roosevelt County, De Baca County and Chaves County Plains.
The NWS says hot temperatures may cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke and advises residents to drink plenty of water, stay in air-conditioned rooms, to stay out of the sun and to check on relatives and neighbors.
Temperatures are expected reach as high as 104° F on Tuesday, with partly cloudy skies and south winds between 5-10 mph. Tuesday night temperatures could drop to the low 70s with a 20% chance of isolated thunderstorms in the metro. Wednesday will also be hot with an expected high of 102° F and a low of 70° F at night. For the rest of the week, expect temperatures to be in the high 90s with a 30% chance of thunderstorms Wednesday through Friday night.
According to the NWS, “Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year.” Newborns, children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, sip cool water and seek medical help if symptoms don’t improve.
Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, dizziness and unconsciousness. The NWS recommends acting fast and calling 911 if experiencing these symptoms. Those experiencing such symptoms should also move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, remove extra layers and cool with water or ice.
The NWS reminds everyone that, “It is never safe to leave a child, disabled person or pet locked in a car, even in winter.” According to noheatstroke.org, in 2022 there have been 10 reported pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths in the U.S. and 23 deaths in 2021. From 1998 to the present, there were a total of 917 pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths. The average number of U.S. child heatstroke fatalities in the U.S. between 1998-2020 was 38. For more information on heat safety, visit weather.gov/safety/heat.