#FunFactFriday – July
#FunFactFriday is back! It is officially summer here in Arizona which means it’s heatin’ up!
Here are some facts and tips to help you get through an Arizona summer.
5 a.m. wake-up call. – The best time of day to do outside chores around the house or to run those every day errands is as early as possible. It will still be between 85 to 90 degrees at night, so early morning is ideal.
Dogs are family, too. – Make sure dog bowls are constantly filled and try to never leave a dog outside alone. Try to walk dogs early in the morning or later at night so they do not burn their paws on the pavement. Also, leave the dogs at home when you’re running errands because they cannot be locked in the car, just like children.
Heat illness is real. – Heat related illnesses are unfortunately very common in the Valley. Heat exhaustion is most common, but you want to avoid it at all costs. These are some signs of heat related sicknesses.
Dehydration
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Disorientation
- Weakness
- Dry mouth
Heat Stroke or Exhaustion
- Headache
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Clumsiness
- Core temperature 104+
Monsoons, haboobs and HOT, oh my! – During the months of July and August is when monsoons and haboobs begin to take the desert by storm (literally). Monsoons are essentially a change in the weather pattern. Dry winds that typically blow from the west and southwest tend to shift to the south and southeast, bringing up moisture from the Gulf of California. With the addition of extreme heat, a storm forms. The upward motion on the leading edge of gusty winds and turbulent motions within the strong winds stirs up the dust into a layer several thousand feet thick. This then creates images of huge walls of dust known as haboobs.
Cars troubles. – Frequently check tire pressure and other necessary wires and/or batteries that could be affected by high temperatures. Use sun shields when parked in an area that is uncovered because this will help keep cars cool and leather seats from deteriorating. The inside of cars can reach temperatures above 130 degrees if left out in the sun for a large amount of time.
Get wet. – Going to the pool is one of the best ways to beat the heat in Arizona. There are also many community pools that are open to the public for low costs if you don’t have a pool in your backyard. Even a backyard hose will do the job.
Totally fangirling. – One of the worst parts of an Arizona summer can be the power bill. Dispersing fans throughout homes can reduce power bills by depleting the need for the air to be turned down super low.
Hydration nation. – Drinking water is essential always, but it is even more crucial to drink an excess amount of water during Arizona’s summer months. The dry heat is exhausting on bodies, and can easily cause dehydration.
Although I grew up in Palm Desert, Calif., Arizona has a weather of its own. The most important thing to remember is to stay hydrated and find any excuse to be indoors. The Phoenix area also offers many indoor activities that are great for hot summer days. Beat that heat and happy #FunFactFriday!
