Hot! Hot! Hot! (Phoenix, Tucson: live in, dryer, rating)

[ComputerGuy]

I really must know, how bad is the heat in AZ? I live in Jacksonville, FL and it can get hot, which I don't mind, but I can't stand the humidity. My wife and I went to Las Vegas a couple of years ago in the summer, and we actually liked the Heat. It was nice to get out of the shower and instantly dry off.

We drove down to AZ and again, the heat was not a big issue. From what I've experienced, I prefer the dry heat to the FL heat + humidity.

I think I'll take a trip to AZ in the middle of the summer to really get a feel for the heat, but I think I should be able to adjust.

Is there anyone else here that has been to FL and is able to compare the heat between the states?

[MotleyCrew]

The heat is intense at times. We have been to Florida during a heat wave and I can tolerate AZ heat a lot better. Someone discribed it as having a blow dryer in your face and that is a good discription. Towels do dry and do not get moldy like the ones we had in FL. Come out and stay for awhile in late July/August.

[Ponderosa]

In FL it is miserable in both sun and shade. Sweat runs down your back and your face. Here, it is tolerable in the shade in summer. You stay dry for the most part. The problem is there is not a lot of shade to be had and it is brutal in the sun.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by ComputerGuy

I really must know, how bad is the heat in AZ? I live in Jacksonville, FL and it can get hot, which I don't mind, but I can't stand the humidity. My wife and I went to Las Vegas a couple of years ago in the summer, and we actually liked the Heat. It was nice to get out of the shower and instantly dry off.

We drove down to AZ and again, the heat was not a big issue. From what I've experienced, I prefer the dry heat to the FL heat + humidity.

I think I'll take a trip to AZ in the middle of the summer to really get a feel for the heat, but I think I should be able to adjust.

Is there anyone else here that has been to FL and is able to compare the heat between the states?

You said you like it hot, so you should like it just fine. I like the moist heat better than the dry because my face looks better But heat is heat.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by MotleyCrew

Come out and stay for awhile in late July/August.

I'm not sure how it is in Phoenix in July/August (obviously always avoid it ), but in Tucson these are the two worst months (the only humid ones) of the year (at least IMO) that hardly give accurate impression...

[mdtoaz]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

I'm not sure how it is in Phoenix in July/August (obviously always avoid it ), but in Tucson these are the two worst months (the only humid ones) of the year (at least IMO) that hardly give accurate impression...

We moved out here from Maryland in late July. We figured if we could hack it out here then, we'd be good. It really wasn't that bad. It's more humid at that time, but compared to the 95% humidity that we're used to in Maryland, it didn't feel humid at all.

I always have to chuckle when I hear people complaining about the humidity (I'm not ragging on you, Sierra). I'll grant you that it's hot and more uncomfortable than September, but at least I didn't feel like I was trying to breathe through a damp, hot sponge.

[Bummer]

Great question, ComputerGuy.

I've lived in South Florida as well as the Tampa Bay Area and, without a doubt, the weather in Arizona is far superior year 'round.

My suggestion would be to try July and August . . . if you can stand those two months, the other months will be a piece of cake. Here in Tucson (cooler and drier both Summer and Winter than Phoenix), in most cases, air conditioning is optional except for those two "ugh" months which is definitely not the case in Florida mainly due to the high humidity.

Today is mostly sunny, the high of 76 degrees with 12% humidity and it will probably drop down in the low 40's tonight. Even the cold during the Winter is less penetrating without the humidity.

Good Luck

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Bummer

Today is mostly sunny, the high of 76 degrees with 12% humidity and it will probably drop down in the low 40's tonight. Even the cold during the Winter is less penetrating without the humidity.

Good Luck

It was 15%-17% this afternoon, with over 40% in the morning.

Tucson, Arizona (85701) Conditions & Forecast : Weather Underground

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by mdtoaz

It's more humid at that time, but compared to the 95% humidity that we're used to in Maryland, it didn't feel humid at all.

The only time the humidity gets that high is in the early morning/late night. If there is one thing I hate, its when people say "oh its soooo bad when its 85 degrees with 100% humidity" and yada, yada, yada. That doesnt happen, people! Its ridiculous listening to people tell their tall tales based on their ridiculous perceptions of what they thought the weather was.

Looking at Baltimore's weather, todays high was 54 degrees with humidity in the 40% range, which is similar to what Tucson's was early this morning. High humidity was 79% at 7 am, which the temp at that time was 40 degrees (about Tucsons low).
Baltimore, Maryland (21201) Conditions & Forecast : Weather Underground

[nitram]

Com****r Guy I've been to FL in the summer when the heat was 90 degrees and the humidity was 95. Seemed like you needed to take a shower every hour or so. Sweat sweat sweat, all you do is sweat.
If you enjoyed Vegas, you'll absolutely love it in AZ desert areas with our dry heat. During monsoon season Jul-Aug primarily it can get somewhat uncomfortable, but not like FL.