Does AZ heat really feel that bad? (Phoenix, Tucson: home, neighborhood)

[esselcue]

Anything over 100 degrees for long periods of time is too hot for outdoor living! There have been rare stretches of 120 degree heat and it is COMMON for 108-110, PLUS, it does not cool down at night. That's the killer! Well, okay, it may cool down to 95 at night...yippee. Desert living is not for everyone and I highly urge anyone who is considering a move to the Valley areas of AZ to spend some SUMMER months there first. The thing is, if you have kids, summer outdoor play is tough on them...hydration is urgent and sunstroke is not at all uncommon in the Phoenix area and other parts of the Valley. Do not be fooled by airport temps, which is where most readings come from...the temps can vary a lot in other areas of the Valley. The desert is the desert. Yes, it's a dry heat...but so is my oven.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by esselcue

Anything over 100 degrees for long periods of time is too hot for outdoor living! There have been rare stretches of 120 degree heat and it is COMMON for 108-110, PLUS, it does not cool down at night. That's the killer! Well, okay, it may cool down to 95 at night...yippee. Desert living is not for everyone and I highly urge anyone who is considering a move to the Valley areas of AZ to spend some SUMMER months there first. The thing is, if you have kids, summer outdoor play is tough on them...hydration is urgent and sunstroke is not at all uncommon in the Phoenix area and other parts of the Valley. Do not be fooled by airport temps, which is where most readings come from...the temps can vary a lot in other areas of the Valley. The desert is the desert. Yes, it's a dry heat...but so is my oven.

Great post. I couldn't give any rep as I have to "spread it around first". People have to spend some time in the summer before moving out here. Going from one extreme (snowy winters) to the other extreme is crazy, especially if you've never experienced the heat before.

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by esselcue

Anything over 100 degrees for long periods of time is too hot for outdoor living! There have been rare stretches of 120 degree heat and it is COMMON for 108-110, PLUS, it does not cool down at night. That's the killer! Well, okay, it may cool down to 95 at night...yippee. Desert living is not for everyone and I highly urge anyone who is considering a move to the Valley areas of AZ to spend some SUMMER months there first. The thing is, if you have kids, summer outdoor play is tough on them...hydration is urgent and sunstroke is not at all uncommon in the Phoenix area and other parts of the Valley. Do not be fooled by airport temps, which is where most readings come from...the temps can vary a lot in other areas of the Valley. The desert is the desert. Yes, it's a dry heat...but so is my oven.

Before we lose perspective - even though it may be hot, the issue is, how to deal with it - water (you mentioned it ), shade (trees, awnings, hats), sunblock.

Many homeowners (and business alike) have "misting" systems on their patios - and they do make a difference.

Taking that dip in a refreshing pool works too - as does being on one of the lakes close to the valley. Or, Tubing down the Salt -

Yes - it is hot and proper precautions should be taken. But, it does not have to be a "sentence" of staying indoors!

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Clint_Noname

Texas weather isn't really a lot different from typical Midwest weather, which is what I'm trying to escape from.

Its A LOT different if you ask me. Warmer winters, less snow, longer and way hotter summers, more humidity, etc.

[esselcue]

Depends on the person...some folks tolerate heat better than other. Misters and shade trees only help if you are able to sit near or under them. As do swimming pools and the Salt River when you are there. For everyday living, one has to be extremely heat tolerant. I am not against Phoenix temps (for others) nor am I saying it's horrible for everyone...I just urge people to visit first before moving there.

[sberdrow]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Its A LOT different if you ask me. Warmer winters, less snow, longer and way hotter summers, more humidity, etc.

I agree with you

[bluebelt1234]

I moved to Yuma in 04 and I thought the heat wouldn't be that bad because everyone always says the humidity makes things feel hotter. Well, since living here, I have had heat exhaustion several times because the heat is just simply unbearable. At least in the Midwest when it is hot and humid outside, you usually have a nice thunderstorm to cool things down. Nothing like that happens here. In the Midwest, at least it would cool off at night. Well, here in Yuma it is not uncommon to find triple digit temps at night. As far as taking a dip in the pool to cool off....well...I have tried that and the pool at my apartment complex is so hot in the summer that it feels like you are taking a hot bath. Imagine taking a hot bath when the temp outside is above 110!

[zonababe]

Originally Posted by sablebaby

Set your oven to 110 and step in for a while -- that's what it feels like! It's HOT!!!

LOL That is how I always explain a "dry heat" to people.

[sberdrow]

Originally Posted by bluebelt1234

I moved to Yuma in 04 and I thought the heat wouldn't be that bad because everyone always says the humidity makes things feel hotter. Well, since living here, I have had heat exhaustion several times because the heat is just simply unbearable. At least in the Midwest when it is hot and humid outside, you usually have a nice thunderstorm to cool things down. Nothing like that happens here. In the Midwest, at least it would cool off at night. Well, here in Yuma it is not uncommon to find triple digit temps at night. As far as taking a dip in the pool to cool off....well...I have tried that and the pool at my apartment complex is so hot in the summer that it feels like you are taking a hot bath. Imagine taking a hot bath when the temp outside is above 110!

just gets some sticks and some marsh mellows ....hey always look at the positive.

[felcin30]

Just remember to stay really hydrated to avoid that heat exhaustion. The rest of your statements are true... Nothing like swimming in soup in the summertime!