Phoenix's heat and the stupidity that goes with it (fit in, construction)

[wase4711]

you guys hit it right on the head; humidity is over 50% again today..
does all that heavy rain that has happened in the north woods benefit us in the valley at all, or do all the benefits just stay up north? I assume all that rain/water eventually makes its way south, but, being new out here, I dont know that stuff yet

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by wase4711

you guys hit it right on the head; humidity is over 50% again today..
does all that heavy rain that has happened in the north woods benefit us in the valley at all, or do all the benefits just stay up north? I assume all that rain/water eventually makes its way south, but, being new out here, I dont know that stuff yet

It mostly benefits the areas that are getting the rain, but the creeks and washes do tend to fill up (only temporarily) after a heavy rain. The summer monsoon is more beneficial to the high country, largely because it puts a damper on the fire season. Late May to early July is so dry that any kind of spark can set off a raging inferno, but when the thunderstorms move in, the risk for forest fires is reduced.

I've said time and time again that the winter precipitation season is what really matters in Arizona, and that affects the entire state as far as water supplies are concerned. When we have a warm, dry winter like this past one, there is very little snowpack in the high country, which translates to little spring runoff, and that means the reservoir/lake levels are substantially reduced. Winters with normal or above normal precipitation often mean a reduced fire risk in the late spring/early summer because the ground is still somewhat moist. In the Phoenix area, dry winters usually translate to increased water usage, and worse air quality. Wet winters often mean soaking rains that reduce water demand, as well as wash out the pollutants.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by wase4711

you guys hit it right on the head; humidity is over 50% again today..
does all that heavy rain that has happened in the north woods benefit us in the valley at all, or do all the benefits just stay up north? I assume all that rain/water eventually makes its way south, but, being new out here, I dont know that stuff yet

The summer rains don't really add up to much in terms of our water supply. They are too scattered. Winter snow pack does. Northeastern Arizona drains to the Salt River and that is a major source of our water. Flagstaff area and places north of the Rim drain north to the Colorado River, so it helps but most of the Colorado R water comes from Colorado. Either way, we do see benefits.

[49erfan916]

I have enjoyed summer thus far, but I had to say that today, there were more than a handful of idiotic drivers or drivers who had irrational road rage.

[wase4711]

probably has something to do with so many people having storm related stress/house/property damage..
makes the crazy drivers even crazier..

[Norne]

Originally Posted by phetaroi

Just an observation -- some people are being a bit snarky about the foolishness of "outsiders" hiking during the hot summer weather...but are breaking one of the most basic rules of hiking -- don't hike alone.

Really? So if you don't have a supporting partner and your friends are not ready for spontaneous hiking tours, you should just stay at home and be a couch potato?

I have climbed Germany's highest mountain all alone, and I am still alive and well.

[Adamson865]

Originally Posted by Norne

Really? So if you don't have a supporting partner and your friends are not ready for spontaneous hiking tours, you should just stay at home and be a couch potato?

I have climbed Germany's highest mountain all alone, and I am still alive and well.

Did you do it when it was 115 in the shade?

[Colt AZ]

Originally Posted by Norne

Really? So if you don't have a supporting partner and your friends are not ready for spontaneous hiking tours, you should just stay at home and be a couch potato?

I have climbed Germany's highest mountain all alone, and I am still alive and well.

Newsflash: That doesn't, shouldn't and will never eliminate basic rules of hiking, just because there happen to be egotistical, rogue hikers who "have climbed the highest mountain all alone" -- and are "still alive and well". Most hikers don't need to pretend they're Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by Norne

Really? So if you don't have a supporting partner and your friends are not ready for spontaneous hiking tours, you should just stay at home and be a couch potato?

I have climbed Germany's highest mountain all alone, and I am still alive and well.

Lets make it 115 degrees in Germany, accompanied by super dry air that dehydrates you in no time, and see how you fare then. Oh, throw in rattlesnakes, too, for good measure.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

Lets make it 115 degrees in Germany, accompanied by super dry air that dehydrates you in no time, and see how you fare then. Oh, throw in rattlesnakes, too, for good measure.

Yep, I heard that just last week a man wandered off into the preserves in the intense heat and died right on the spot. By the time paramedics were called in, it was already too late to save him. I know this sounds cruel, but it really served him right. Anybody who is so ignorant to not realize his/her own limitations, and not understand the seriousness of our intense summer heat doesn't deserve to be rescued. It all comes down to survival of the fittest, and paramedics can't be babysitters or lifesavers for all the ones who create their own dilemmas.