What is super-dry weather like? (Phoenix: to live, oil, residential)

[Code Stemi]

Originally Posted by MrJester

Because it NEVER rains during the summer in Sacramento (and Southern California, too), all the hillsides are brown and dead, and the creeks dry up.

That is called a mediterranean climate. Classic description.

[MrJester]

Originally Posted by Magic Qwan

Would Flagstaff be warm enough to be considered a “dry heat”?

Yes and no. Flagstaff is 7000 feet in altitude, so it averages a very mild 81 degrees in July. But of course, there's going to be heat waves with much higher temps. At higher elevations, humidity is increasingly low, so yes, Flagstaff will be very dry heat.

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by Magic Qwan

Would Flagstaff be warm enough to be considered a “dry heat”?

Flagstaff is similar to New Mexico, it's high desert.

[bigbuglf]

Originally Posted by Magic Qwan

Where I live, the dewpoint never goes below 72 degrees, so its pretty oppressively humid. Is dry air better?

I like the dry air better when it is hot. I moved to AZ from MI and the humidity used to really bug me in the summer. It is surprising how not bad 90+ can feel with low humidity. I do have an issue with nose bleeds at times though.

I think really it is kind of an individual thing. My brother in MI likes humidity and doesn't really care for AZ. The best way to decide is to experience it for yourself. I know it was a big change for me, but I do prefer the drier climate. Much of the west is pretty dry compared to places east of the Great Plains.

[Slater]

Going from a humid climate to a dry climate feels pretty good.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by Magic Qwan

Would Flagstaff be warm enough to be considered a “dry heat”?

Yes, Flag is dry, but no, its not warm. In fact its frigid most of the year and experiences massive snowfall levels most years.

[Copymutt]

Being pragmatic, dry climates minimize mold issues and my tools don't rust. I've gotten very thin skinned though. Literally, not mentally.
Jim

[MrJester]

Originally Posted by Copymutt

Being pragmatic, dry climates minimize mold issues and my tools don't rust. I've gotten very thin skinned though. Literally, not mentally.
Jim

Dry climates (Mediterranean) still get lots of winter rain, and even cold, soggy days can generate alot of mold.

And, the shower is always humid, even if it's dry outside. So still got to clean up the mold there!

[saibot]

Originally Posted by MrJester

Dry climates (Mediterranean) still get lots of winter rain, and even cold, soggy days can generate alot of mold.

And, the shower is always humid, even if it's dry outside. So still got to clean up the mold there!

Leave the shower door open and crack the window. In 10 minutes, it's dry.

[kapie9969]

I worked construction in Phoenix. One day it hit 122 degrees. So it's hot out. where a cap and cover your ears and neck with a bandana under your hat. Use zinc oxide cream on your nose, I never did except at the lake. Drink good water. Stay hydrated. I liked to eat fruit,melon-like cantaloupe, and watermelon. You will feel better if you don't overeat or over drink water.
No real problems with heat. Go swimming and deal with high electric bills from your AC use. If you don't work outside, Go out after dinner when the sun is going down and walk around and clean up the yard. Summertime towards dark was always nice.
It only feels a bit sticky with summer evening monsoon thunderstorms. One summer I think we had 90 days where we had an evening thunderstorm every day. My other suggestion is to move up north like I did!