Missoula has many pleasant summer days, but we’re also experiencing hotter days and warmer nights. When these are extreme, there are consequences. How can we best take precautions and look out for each other, our kids, and even our pets? There’s a lot we can do to understand the risks, adjust our activities, and keep cool.

First, check out our smart 2 minute video (right).

Over the long run, we need to plan and build a future better suited for heat, with cool places to go, abundant shade, comfortable homes, and lots of water.

​For more about the science behind our changing summers, click here.
VIDEO: How to "Weather" the Summer Heat
If the above film does not load automatically, download here. Worth it!

What are the Risks?
Exposure to high daytime heat can be dangerous, especially the longer you’re in it and the more active you are. Engaging in vigorous physical activity or simply working outdoors when it’s in the 90’s or (gulp) triple digits puts us at risk from heat stress – both heat exhaustion and heat stroke. (Learn about the difference - and why it matters - in the infographic at left).
 
Everyone is at risk when it is HOT, but especially young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic pre-existing conditions (respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes). Extreme heat can kill - both directly via heat stroke, and indirectly via increased risks of heart attack and stroke - especially when those with pre-existing conditions encounter high temps.

Prolonged heat also makes many of us grumpy.  We can get agitated, depressed, and quick to anger. You've probably seen this in babies, kids, adults, even yourself. If we can help one another stay cool, we can enjoy Montana summers just a little more gracefully. Click here to learn more about Climate and Mental Health.

There are lots of great resources for heat risks and what to do. Check out OSHA or CA.

Need convincing it's getting warmer?  Head to our page on Local Climate Indicators.

What we can do right now, right here.

We've created a map of places you might want to go if it's really hot outside and your home or residence is not a good place to be. Check out:

​Be sure to check the weather so you know if extreme heat events are headed our way. You can even download a cool app for your phone.

Tips for a cool-ish home this summer

Check out our tips (right) as well as our page comparing Fans, Air Conditioning, and Swamp Coolers.

Do you have favorite ideas of things that work (or don't)?  Please share here!

Create a super cool home all year round....

...and help the Missoula area create opportunities to improve sub-standard housing, build more affordable housing, and improve the efficiency of all our buildings.

And of course, join in the effort to find climate solutions from the local to the global scale. We can adapt only so much to a warming world.
Home improvements that "weatherize" homes or businesses help not just in the winter, but the summer too.  You can:
  • add insulation in ceilings and walls
  • seal cracks around doors and windows (include proper ventilation)
  • improve your windows (double or triple pane)
  • replace appliances with those that are rated "Energy Star"
  • insulate your water heater
  • Don't forget to change your lightbulbs. LEDs are super affordable now!
  • Add shade and grow trees or shrubs outside, especially on the south and west sides.  More about that here.

Additional Resources:
How Urban Heat Islands threaten public health from Grist
Half the world could see deadly heat waves by 2100 from Climate Central
​Heat Wave Risk Perception from the Yale Climate Change Communication. Feb 2017. 
Heat Risk from the National Weather Service.
Heat Island Community Actions Database, from the EPA. We'll see how long this link works...