5 Things Locals Say You Should Never Do During an Arizona Summer

Quick Quiz: You're out shopping, and you have several stops to make. When do you purchase ice cream? 

If you think "this is a dumb question, because - duh! You get ice cream LAST," then there's a good chance you've survived at least one Arizona summer.

Summers in Arizona are serious business. If you’re new here, grab your refillable water bottle and listen up. The heat is relentless, the wildlife is bold, and the monsoons will mess with your head.

If you're new here, we've got some advice from those who've had their hearts broken by a fickle monsoon, a scalding car seat, and a melted lipstick tube.

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Things You Should Never Do in the Summer in Arizona

Here are five things locals say you should never do when the desert turns into an oven. If you ignore our advice, the consequences vary from somewhat annoying to downright dangerous.

1. Never Leave Things in Your Car in Arizona in the Summer

That lip balm? Gone. Your sunglasses? Warped. Your phone? Melted into oblivion. The temperature inside a parked car can skyrocket past 150°F, and that beef jerky drying temp can turn our favorite items into tragic science experiments.

(Seriously, don't do that.)

2. Never Underestimate the Power of the Sun

We may get some lazy afternoon clouds as summer monsoons roll in, but until then, remember this: Arizona’s UV index is no joke.  The sun ain't playin'.

If you forget sunscreen, you’ll be rocking a sunburn that rivals those bright red, in-season, vine-ripened tomatoes.  And don’t even think about walking barefoot on asphalt—the road is lava.

(Seriously, don't do that.)

3. Never (Ever, EVER!) Ignore Flash Flood Warnings

Sometimes you get lucky, and the rain-falling-to-earth-to-water-absorbtion-ratio works out perfectly. But then there's the next time when the rain falls fast, and roads and washes turn into a whole new ecosystem.

3 Strange Arizona Laws You May Never Have Heard Of

It happens every monsoon season. Someone thinks their truck can handle a flooded wash. Spoiler: It can’t.

Arizona even has a Stupid Motorist Law that fines drivers who get stuck in floodwaters. Wanna pay for your own rescue? Drive around (barriers) and find out!

(Seriously, don't do that.)

4. Don't Ever Hike in the Middle of the Day

Nothing says “this is my first Arizona summer” like a 2 p.m. trek in 110°F heat. Even experienced hikers get into trouble when they try this stunt. Heat exhaustion is a real danger. If you want to test this theory, at least leave your pets at home.

(Seriously, don't do that.)

5. Do Not (For the Love of Saguaros!) Mess with the Wildlife

I had a friend who used to capture two sun spiders together under a glass, just to see what could happen. Those pugilistic little creatures are not pretty, but at least they're not venomous.

Wildlife Experts: The Best Way to Help Baby Birds in Arizona

Scorpions, rattlesnakes, and javelinas don’t care about the clicks on your Instagram photos. Give them space or risk an unforgettable encounter.

Say it with me: Seriously, don't do that!

Stay cool, stay smart, and for the love of saguaros, drink water!

Sources: Wikipedia | National Weather Service | Shun Auto | Arizona Game & Fish