I can't lie -- summer in Phoenix, Arizona is HOT. In fact, it's so hot that every year someone always makes a show of trying to fry an egg on the sidewalk. As someone who has lived in Arizona for over seven years, I thought I might give you some tips to survive the rest of the summer and beat the heat!
1. Always wear shoes outside.
Summer pavement, red-hot coals – sort of the same thing here in summer. Just keep in mind that walking on hot coals looks brave. Walking on hot pavement? Not so much.
2. Watch out for haboobs.
Haboobs (yes, that’s really what they’re really called) are massive walls of dust kicked up by monsoon winds. They’re most common during July and August and usually a thunderstorm follows. Although it may not sound bad, when you're in traffic and a haboob hits, you can't see anything at all.
3. Summer hiking is great, if you do it right.
Be sure to set your alarm for about dark-thirty, grab a cup-of -Joe and a large bottle of water (or two.. or three), and hit the trail at dawn. Try to keep your hike short because once the sun comes up, those temps will be on the rise. Four hikers collapsed and died on trails across the state the weekend of June 19th. One hiker died in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, another died on the Peralta Trail in the Superstition Mountains, a third near Finger Canyon Rock and a fourth in Ventana Canyon.
4. Know the warning signs.
You don't want to fall victim to heat related illness. Heat exhaustion is most common, but you want to avoid it at all costs. Remember these signs because they could help you or someone around you!
Dehydration
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Disorientation
- Weakness
- Dry mouth
Heat Stroke or Exhaustion
- Headache
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Clumsiness
- Core temperature 104+
5. Take water everywhere.
Never stop drinking water. Staying hydrated can be a challenge but it is definitely necessary, especially in Arizona. I’ve heard it said that if you allow yourself to become thirsty, you’re already to the point of dehydration. Thirst is your enemy in Arizona! And it has been said that those who live in Arizona need more water than those in "normal areas." Just look at the graphical representation below!
