As climate change accelerates, the frequency and intensity of heat waves are affecting vulnerable populations in unexpected places. In Montana, a state known for its cool mountain air and rural landscapes, the rise in temperatures is creating challenges for seniors, particularly those in isolated rural areas. With Montana’s population being among the oldest in the U.S., many seniors are especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Recently, 911 calls in Montana revealed the severe impact of the heat waves on vulnerable rural seniors. Let us look at how rising temperatures are affecting these communities and the challenges they face during extreme heat events.

Rising Temperatures and Vulnerability

Montana’s rural regions, though seemingly far from the usual heat-affected areas, have experienced record-breaking temperatures in recent years. Missoula, one of the state’s largest cities, has seen multiple heat waves where daytime temperatures climbed above 90°F for several consecutive days. These extreme weather events are a new challenge for local residents, many of whom live without air conditioning and are unprepared for such sustained heat.

For Montana’s ageing population—about 1 in 4 residents are over 60—the heat poses significant health risks. As people age, their ability to regulate body temperature diminishes, increasing their vulnerability to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and abnormal heart rates. Missoula firefighter Andrew Drobeck recounted 911 calls from seniors struggling to cope with the heat in older homes with poor ventilation.

The heat waves of July 2024, driven by a heat dome that settled over the western U.S., pushed emergency responders into action. Data collected from 911 calls during this period show that for every 1-degree Celsius increase in average daily temperatures, the number of calls increased by 1%. While that number may seem small, it translates into hundreds of additional emergency calls during the hottest months, straining ambulance crews and hospitals.

Also Read: Extreme Heat Warning For US West, Temperatures To Reach 43 Degrees

Challenges for Rural Communities

Montana’s rural regions face additional hurdles during heat waves. Unlike urban areas that benefit from public cooling centres, residents in rural communities may live far from air-conditioned facilities. Many seniors must travel an hour or more to access libraries or community centres offering relief from the heat. In Missoula County, researchers from the University of Montana teamed up with local officials to analyze 911 call data during heat waves, finding that many calls came from rural, older populations living without access to necessary cooling resources.

Help can be hours away for elderly individuals in these remote areas. The combination of limited mobility, isolation, and the lack of immediate medical care makes rural seniors especially vulnerable. Efforts to assist these communities include providing cooling centres and conducting outreach to ensure residents have the resources they need. However, the availability of funding and resources is limited.

Local officials are now planning ahead to address these heat challenges. One proposal is to deploy community paramedics to check on rural residents during heat waves, potentially preventing hospitalizations and saving lives. While solutions are being explored, the rising temperatures are a growing concern for Montana’s rural elderly population, many of whom are not equipped to handle these changes in climate.

As climate change continues to affect previously cooler regions, the challenges for rural and ageing populations will only intensify. Montana’s experience serves as a reminder that extreme heat is not just an urban issue—it is affecting rural communities in unexpected and dangerous ways.

Source: This article is from a partnership that includes MTPR, NPR, and KFF Health News, a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues.