Heat, Wildfire Smoke and Your Health: Preparing for a Colorado Summer
Summer 2026 in Colorado is predicted to be even hotter than normal, and our first major heat-wave is already underway. The record-low precipitation we’ve had last winter also increases the risk of fires (as we’re experiencing now) and the knock-on effect on air quality can make things even more challenging. The good news? Most heat-related illnesses are preventable with a little planning.
Who’s at risk?
Unfortunately, many people in our community will be at risk of heat-related illness due to either their age, their enjoyment of outdoor recreation, or both! This includes:
Children, teens and adults >65y
Pregnant women
Those with other medical conditions (e.g. affecting the heart, lungs or kidneys)
People socially or geographically isolated
People who work or play outside (even low-intensity outdoor activities)
If you or someone you care about falls into one of these categories, it could be a good idea to make a Heat Action Plan with your primary care provider. There are some medications that can contribute to heat sensitivity that you may want to review. For example, certain blood pressure meds can increase the risk of dehydration, while some anti-depressants can reduce your body’s ability to cool itself through sweating. Please don’t stop any medication yourself, but speak to your primary care provider if you have questions or concerns.
How can I know today’s risk?
As well as checking the air temperature, you can use the Heat Risk tool to see if you should change your outdoor plans for the day. The National Weather Service advises moving outdoor activities on Heat Risk Category Red (Major) days to cooler parts of the day, if not cancelling them altogether, even if you are otherwise in a low-risk category.
It’s worth mentioning that having multiple hot days in a row is known to increase risk of complications, and it’s wise to ensure your body has at least a couple of hours to cool down in an air-conditioned environment, even if you don’t feel unwell.
Are fans enough?
While fans might help you feel a bit better, they actually increase the risk of heat-related illness if your indoor air temperature is above 90°F (32°C). If your house is this hot, using a fan can increase your body temperature further and it’s best to head somewhere with air conditioning instead.
How can I look after myself?
On moderate risk days (which is the majority of this week for Montrose and Olathe), the CDC recommends that those who are at risk may have health impacts if outdoors for a long period (that’s not including our risks from poor air quality – remember to check AirNow.gov too). It’s also advisable to:
Go outdoors in the cooler parts of the day, ie. early morning or late evening if possible.
Stay in the shade as much as possible when outside.
Stay well hydrated (a good way to check how hydrated you are is to check your urine next time you use the restroom – if it’s pale, great job! If it’s a strong yellow/dark, go get yourself a drink.)
Stay cool with:
A fan, if its less than 90°F in your house.
Air Con. If you don’t have this at home, consider visiting the library or other community-use building near you.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion
If you get too hot, your body may not be able to cool itself down, and you can become unwell. Symptoms can include:
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Shortness of breath
Headache
Generalized weakness
Lethargy
When to get help
If you suspect heatstroke, this is a medical emergency – please call 911 or take the patient to the ER. Symptoms include:
Body temperature above 104°F (40°C)
Behavioral changes such as severe confusion, agitation, slurred speech
Fainting
Seizures
Rapid breathing
Rapid pulse
Heat and vehicles
Did you know a quick trick to cooling your car down when you first get in is to open a window on the passenger side, then quickly open and close the driver’s side door a few times? While this might look a bit odd to those around you, it rapidly moves the hot air from inside your car outside, and pulls through fresh outdoor air through the window using your newly-created area of low pressure by the driver’s side. Side note: if you see me around town opening and closing my door a few times before getting in, now you know why!
While on the topic of cars in the heat, please also remember to never leave children or pets in cars, even with the windows cracked, during these hot summer months, as this can be fatal.
Final thoughts
Our climate here in Western Colorado is so dry that it's easy to become dehydrated without realizing it. Combined with this summer's heat and wildfire smoke, it's worth making a conscious effort to stay well hydrated and to check both the HeatRisk forecast and the Air Quality Index before spending long periods outdoors.
We know that those who are isolated socially or geographically are at higher risks of heat-related illness. A quick phone call or visit to an older neighbor, friend or relative who lives alone or in a remote area could make a real difference.
Lastly, if you’re in a high-risk group, consider reviewing your medication and creating a heat action plan with your provider. If you don't currently have a primary care provider and would like help managing your health through Colorado's summer, I'd be delighted to welcome you to Cimarron Family Practice.