Billings reached a record high of 111 degrees Sunday as a prolonged heat wave pushed much of Montana into record or near-record territory, city and media reports said. The extreme temperatures strained infrastructure, filled cooling centers and forced residents to change plans to avoid the worst of the afternoon heat.
People sought relief wherever water or shade was available. Lake Elmo State Park was crowded, neighborhood pools were full and many families moved barbecues under umbrellas. Those adjustments reflected a broader effort across the city to reduce exposure during the hottest hours.
Power outage left hundreds without air conditioning
The heat came on the heels of a large power outage Saturday that affected nearly 500 homes in the Annafeld neighborhood for about six hours, leaving many residents without air conditioning at a critical time, neighbors told MTN News.
"When it was 9:30, it was 82 degrees inside the house. It was 93 degrees outside," said neighbor Rick Bach.
Initial reports from utility workers suggested the outage might have been related to heavy demand on the system. Northwestern Energy later said the outage began after a vehicle struck and damaged a power pole around 4:45 p.m. Crews replaced the pole and worked to restore service; the company noted that after outages operators often shift customers between circuits to safely balance demand as appliances such as air conditioners come back online.
How residents sought cooling
- Gathered at Lake Elmo and other natural water spots.
- Used neighborhood and backyard pools under shade.
- Moved outdoor cooking to gas grills and shaded areas to avoid heating the house.
- Visited cooling centers and shelters set up in response to the heat wave.
Neighbors Josh Edwards and Rick Bach described keeping close to shaded pools and using a gas grill to avoid warming their homes further. City and emergency officials emphasized the need to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak heat and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Local consequences and considerations
The record high underscores pressure on local infrastructure — from electrical distribution to public cooling resources — during extreme weather. Officials and utility representatives have pointed to both increased demand and isolated damage (the struck pole) as contributing factors in the outage that left many without cooling when temperatures were climbing.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Highest temperature reported in Billings | 111°F |
| Annafeld outage | Nearly 500 homes, about 6 hours |
| Reported time pole was struck | About 4:45 p.m. |
Montana faces a prolonged period of high temperatures, with multiple communities reporting record or near-record readings. For Billings residents, the immediate priorities are staying cool, monitoring power-restoration updates from Northwestern Energy and using city cooling centers if air conditioning is unavailable.
Local officials have encouraged residents to look out for one another during the heat wave, particularly older adults, young children and those with medical conditions who are most vulnerable to heat-related illness.
Reporting for this story relied on accounts and footage from MTN News and statements from Northwestern Energy provided in media reports.
