CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. — As temperatures soar across New Mexico this week, state and federal officials are warning that the combination of extreme heat, worsening drought, and gaps in emergency infrastructure could spell trouble for vulnerable communities— especially in Cibola County.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports dangerously high temperatures are expected across much of the state beginning Friday. The National Weather Service’s HeatRisk map shows “major” to “extreme” levels of heat in several regions, prompting calls for extra precautions.
“Heat illness is preventable, but it takes planning, awareness and very quick action,” said Chelsea Eastman Langer, PhD, MPH, bureau chief of NMDOH’s Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau. Since April 1, there have been 120 heat-related emergency department visits statewide—27 in just the last week.
Severe Drought Persists
At the same time, drought conditions continue to grip Cibola County. As of June 10, the entire county remains in drought, with 58.35 percent classified as “Extreme Drought” (D3) and the remaining 41.65 percent as “Severe Drought” (D2), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The first five months of 2025 rank as the eighth driest start to any year in 131 years of recorded history. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Cibola is more than 1.9 inches below average precipitation. These dry conditions have affected 448 acres of hay, 30 acres of haylage, 10,281 cattle, and 3,026 sheep.
“We’re concerned not only for health during this heat, but also about fire,” said Cibola County Fire Marshal Dustin Middleton. “With higher temperatures comes lower humidity and lower fuel moisture. It’s prime for rapid fire growth and spread. Add wind to that—and you’ve got a firestorm.”
Weather Alert Gaps Pose Additional Risks
A recent study by Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers found New Mexico has the thirdlargest gaps in NOAA weather alert coverage nationwide. Based on NOAA data from June 2025, the report reveals that 25% of the state’s weather radio stations are out of service— including 3 of the 12 in New Mexico.
“NOAA Weather Radio remains the most reliable source of emergency weather information, especially in rural areas,” a spokesperson for Ladah Law said. “When stations go offline, some communities may be left without vital warnings during dangerous events like flash floods, severe heat, or wildfires.”
Local Emergency Infrastructure in Place
To help fill communication gaps, Cibola County’s Office of Emergency Management encourages residents to sign up for local emergency notifications via the Hyper-Reach system. The county previously used the Code Red system, which became unreliable after being overwhelmed with alerts related to City of Grants waterline breaks.
Residents can now receive public health alerts and evacuation notices through Hyper-Reach by visiting hyperr each.com/nmcibolasignup.html, calling or texting 505-209-8309, or saying “Alexa, enable Hyper-Reach” on a compatible device.
Cibola County remains under Stage I fire restrictions in the Mt. Taylor Ranger District. Fireworks restrictions have been adopted in Milan and all unincorporated areas, while burn bans remain in effect countywide except within the City of Grants.
“Emergency Management in Cibola County exists to help protect lives, property, and the environment,” the department states on its website. “We are ready to respond when local and mutual aid resources are overwhelmed— but prevention is everyone’s responsibility.”
Know the Symptoms, Stay Safe
NMDOH advises residents to stay indoors during peak heat, keep shades drawn, drink plenty of water, and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Symptoms of heat-related illness include clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
For assistance or more information, residents can call the NMDOH Nurse Helpline at 1-833SWNURSE (1-833-7968773).