Albuquerque keeps cooling stations open as triple-digit heat persists
Albuquerque kept sprinklers, pools and splash pads running Tuesday as triple-digit heat lingered, while forecasters warned of another week of heat risk.
Albuquerque kept Operation Cooldown active Tuesday as triple-digit heat lingered, running sprinklers at Alamosa Park and 4-H Park and pointing residents to city pools and splash pads. Most of the city’s splash pads are free, giving families a close-by place to cool off when home air conditioning is not enough.
The program first launched in July 2023. In 2025, when Albuquerque is forecast to reach 100 degrees or higher, it offers sprinkler play at selected parks, a setup that has also included Rotary Park, Seville Park, Bandelier Park, Sierra Sunset Park and Villela Park. Mayor Tim Keller said the program gives families “a fun way to cool off close to home,” and Parks & Recreation Director Dave Simon said the city wants to give everyone options to stay cool.
On June 23, the National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for Albuquerque and said on June 24 that lower-elevation areas faced a moderate risk of heat-induced illness for the next seven days. The forecast called for localized major heat risk in some areas on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Albuquerque Parks & Recreation guidance puts the metro at more than 60,000 emergency-room visits each year for heat-related illness, and the city logged 17 days at 100 degrees or hotter in 2023, compared with 3 in 2018, 2 in 2019, 5 in 2020 and 5 in 2021.
Albuquerque also promotes pool discounts during summer heat, including free swims for kids 17 and under on Sundays, free admission for children under 2 and $1 Friday-night swims at select pools. Its cooling network includes senior centers, community centers, multigenerational centers, shelters, pools, splash pads and neighborhood parks.
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