Heat Wave Breaks Temp Records in Rockies

A heat dome has broken all-time temperature records in Utah, Wyoming, and Montana, and is now moving eastward, bringing triple‑digit heat and high humidity to the Midwest and East with forecasts of 90‑plus temperatures and limited nighttime relief, The Weather Channel reported. Extreme heat watches and warnings extend from the Rockies through the Dakotas and Minnesota.

Billings, Montana, recorded a high of 111°F, its first 110°F temperature in 92 years of records dating to 1934. Salt Lake City also reached an all‑time high of 109°F.

Meanwhile, New Mexico health officials warned residents to watch for heat illness over the weekend and beyond as temperatures exceeded 100 degrees across much of New Mexico. Since April 1, 453 people have visited New Mexico health facilities for heat-related emergencies. In the summer of 2025, 761 people made heat-related emergency department visits around the state. So far this year, neighboring state Arizona’s Maricopa County, home to Phoenix, has preliminary confirmed 18 deaths related to heat.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE ) also urged Coloradans to take precautions during the weekend as high temperatures and wildfire smoke affected parts of the state. Heat and wildfire smoke can each cause health problems on their own. When they happen at the same time, they can be especially hard on the body, the health agency said. Heat can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs; worsen asthma and other lung diseases; and increase risks for people with heart disease.

Signs of heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or muscle cramps. If a person exhibits symptoms of heat exhaustion, the person should move to a cooler place, loosen clothing, and drink water if they are awake and able to drink.

New Mexico health officials said heat-related illness symptoms include:

• Warm, red skin that can progress to cold, pale and clammy skin. 
• Fast, weak pulse. 
• Nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. 
• Tiredness, weakness, or dizziness leading to possibly passing out.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 if someone has confusion, loss of consciousness or fainting; seizures; very high body temperature; skin that feels hot, even if the person is not sweating; or repeated vomiting. Heat stroke means your body’s cooling system is failing, so you may not be sweaty.

CDPHE urged people to reduce outdoor activity during the hottest and smokiest parts of the day. When possible:

• Move outdoor yard work, and other strenuous activities to a cooler time of day.
• Take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning.
• Drink water regularly and before you are thirsty.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Use sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat if outside.

Pay attention to symptoms, and stop activity if you feel dizzy, weak, nauseated, short of breath, or unusually tired. People with asthma, chronic lung disease, and heart disease should follow their healthcare provider’s action plan and keep medications available. Some medications need to be stored at a stable temperature, so keep them out of extreme heat.