Southern New Mexico city opens 'cooling stations'

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Officials in one southern New Mexico city have opened a handful of "cooling stations" where residents can find temporary relief from the heat wave. Las Cruces officials say the stations at community and recreation centers around the city are designed to help the elderly and other high-risk residents who could be affected by the extreme temperatures. The stations will be in operation only for certain times of the day. Forecasters with the National Weather Service say temperatures across southern New Mexico's lower elevations are expected to top out about 10 to 15 degrees above normal Wednesday. A heat advisory has been issue for the area. It warns that afternoon highs between 105 and 110 will be common across the region through Saturday. An advisory also has been issued for parts of central and western New Mexico.