EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Summer hasn’t officially arrived, but El Paso is already feeling the heat, and residents are doing what they can to stay cool.
June is typically the hottest month in the Borderland with temperatures already reaching triple digits, but that hasn’t stopped people from going outside.
“We’ve been walking around with an umbrella, so people are kind of looking at us a little weird earlier, but it’s kind of nice. I feel like we’re just getting ready for the hot, like, for the hot season and everything. But we’re just trying to get out, have fun,” said El Pasoan Heather Wilson.
Local health experts say enjoying the weather is fine, as long as it’s done safely.
Dr. Scott Crawford, an associate professor of emergency medicine with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, says it’s important to recognize the early symptoms of heat-related illness.
“Anything from just feeling muscle cramps and headache can start to be signs of heat-related illness,” Crawford said. “Increasing hydration, drinking fluids with some electrolytes, things like that can help, but they can progress to something more serious.”
According to Crawford, young children and older adults are the most at risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If someone becomes disoriented, overheated, or stops sweating, get them to a cool area immediately and seek medical help.
Safety tips from health officials:
- Drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty
- Stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest part of the day (usually 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Take breaks if you’re doing physical activity outside
Both the city and the county have cooling centers available and open to the public.
Read: Read More