Billings and Miles City Shatter All-Time Heat Records

Billings and Miles City each set new all-time record highs Sunday as a historic heat wave swept the region. Billings reached 111 degrees, breaking the city's previous all-time record of 108 degrees set in 2002, according to the National Weather Service's daily climate report. Miles City climbed even higher, hitting a preliminary 115 degrees and shattering its old record of 111 degrees, set on June 26, 2012.

On Sunday, the National Weather Service had issued an Extreme Heat Watch for much of central, south-central, and southeastern Montana, along with north-central Wyoming, warning that dangerously hot conditions and potential record highs were likely across the region through the night.

How Billings Residents Coped with Extreme Heat

Spray grounds around Billings filled up quickly as families sought relief from the heat. Lake Elmo became one of the busiest spots in the city, with people heading for the water any way they could. Grocery stores and coffee shops saw a steady stream of people ducking in for air conditioning. Even short errands became a challenge in the heat, with parking lots and sidewalks radiating extra warmth under the afternoon sun.

Heat-Related Calls, a Water Main Break, and an Early End to Strawberry Fest

On both Saturday and Sunday, Heat-related incidents showed up across Billings on the CrimeRadar Map app as emergency crews responded throughout the city. In the Heights, Billings Public Works crews spent part of Saturday repairing a water main break on Wicks, working through the afternoon in dangerous heat. The heat also cut into the weekend's outdoor events. Strawberry Fest wrapped up earlier than planned on Saturday as the triple-digit temperatures pushed in.

Billings Weather Forecast: NWS Issues Safety Tips as Extreme Heat Continues

The heat isn't done yet. National Weather Service forecasts show Billings reaching the upper 90s to low 100s through Monday afternoon, with similarly hot conditions expected Tuesday before any relief arrives.

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Forecasters are urging residents to plan outdoor work and exercise for early morning or evening hours, drink water throughout the day, even when not thirsty, and spend time in air conditioning during peak afternoon heat. Officials also remind residents never to leave children or pets in parked vehicles and to make sure pets and livestock have access to shade and fresh water.