Long Hot Summers
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9/3/2012
I have lived in Phoenix for 20 years now and regardless what people say, you never truly get used to the un-relenting heat in the summer months that can stretch from late May well into October. The only reprieve you may get in the early and latter parts of the season is the nights will cool below 100 degrees and you can sleep and wake to bearable temperatures. Consider that four months of the year you will rarely see temperatures drop below 95 degrees, even at night. There will be weeks that the daily temperature never falls below 105 degrees and can get as high as 115 degrees. In 1993 Phoenix had a record 76 days over 100 degrees.
I grew up in the Midwest with bitter winters and I find that the long hot summers are much more debilitating than the long cold winters of the Midwest. I do not prefer either though. The only outdoor activities in Phoenix during the hot summers are centered around water…swimming, skiing, sailing, etc. There are several lakes within a two hour drive of Phoenix but be prepared to fight the crowds that rush to the lakes in order to launch their boats before the lake reaches capacity.
Oh yea, If you are a die-hard golfer you can golf some of the best courses cheap in the summer. Wear plenty of sunscreen, drink lots of fluids (non-alcoholic) and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Phoenix has some great attributes but the long hot summers are not for everyone.
Neil | Phoenix, AZ