4 Things About Summer Only People from Arizona Understand

If you've read Dante's Inferno, you know the 7th Ring of Hell is allocated for anyone who commits an act of violence.

The seventh ring is divided into three subgroups, and under the heading 'Violence Against God or Nature,' the punishment is to wander a burning desert under a flaming rain. 

That desert? The Arizona-Sonoran desert.

Or so it seems. The surface of the sun is the only rival for the level of heat in Arizona from June to about October. With only the monsoons to keep us from melting into a memory, there are things we do in the Grand Canyon state that make sense, but only for true Arizonans.

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How Do You Cool Off in Arizona in the Summer

Number 1: We carry a water bottle with us everywhere we go, and keep it topped off at all times.

I just did the math, and if you were to buy bottles of water instead of carrying your trusty water bottle with you, you could end up spending about $12 a gallon on water. And all the plastic isn't great, either.

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How Much Cooler is it to Park in the Shade on a Hot Day?

Number 2: Forget parking close to the store, park in the shade whenever possible.

On a 90-degree day, if you park your car in direct sunlight, the inside can get up to 120°F in half an hour and up to 138°F after an hour.

If you park in the shade, your car will stay about 20–30 degrees cooler than if you left it baking in the sun.

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Do People in Arizona Really Use Oven Mitts to Drive in the Summer?

Number 3: Cover that steering wheel when you get out of the car. Also, use a sunshade in your windshield and crack your windows a little when you park.

Do people in Arizona actually use oven mitts when they drive? I'm sure it's not unheard of, but typically no. We've all thought about it, but an old kitchen towel thrown over the steering wheel keeps it cool enough to touch.

The Best Time to Travel in Arizona

Number 4: The summer heat poses challenges, but the people of Arizona are strong, and we can handle the waves of warmth.

If you've got an event to plan, gather your posse and book a hotel room in Phoenix in July. Everyone else is staying away, but we're acclimated. And it's a great way to take advantage of lower rates!

Stay cool and enjoy the summer as much as you can. The Snowbirds will be back before we know it!

Sources: Wikipedia | ShunAuto.com