Phoenix Climate Facts
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12/13/2006
Let's examine Phoenix's heat. The hottest days in each calendar month since records began in the late 1880s are: Jan 88, Feb 92, Mar 100, Apr 105, May 114, Jun 122, Jul 121, Aug 118, Sep 116, Oct 107, Nov 96, Dec 87. Of course, don't expect to see this every year! In each of 2005 and 2006 we had 105 days with highs of 100 or more and 65 more days at 90-99. Because of the urban heat island effect, summer morning lows have increased from the mid-70s to the mid-80s over the last 30 years. We had around 75 days each year where the low was 80 or more. In 2006, there were 11 days where the temp failed to get below 90!
If you get depressed by clouds and darkness, Phoenix is your cure. The sun shines practically all the time (and you get nice moonlight because of the clear skies). Clouds and rain are so infrequent, you won't remember the previous occurrence. Summer sun sets around 7:40PM on the longest day. Winter sun sets around 5:20PM on the shortest day.
I'm in my mid-40s and I bike year round. I bike 2-3 times a week even in summer. Riding in 110 degree heat is doable when you go fast enough for the breeze to keep you cool, which it does. Besides, it keeps you thin!
Let me know if you want more information.
Abhd | Phoenix, AZ