When discussing Metro Phoenix, Arizona, it’s difficult NOT to talk about weather!  Whether you are in awe of the 300+ days of sunshine each year, asking about this “monsoon” you keep hearing about, or trembling in fear of the upcoming 100+ degree temperatures this summer…weather is almost always at the top of the list when talking about the Phoenix area.  There are no natural disasters to speak of, and no shoveling your driveway in the middle of winter…but there are a lot of things to know and understand about the weather here in the Valley.

	The Metro Phoenix area is known as the Valley of the Sun.
	Phoenix (and its surrounding area) gets over 300 days of sunshine each year.
	The average start date of the monsoon is July 7th.
	The highest wind gust ever recorded during a monsoon was 115 mph.
	The hottest day on record was 122 degrees.

While most individuals not familiar with Arizona think that the entire state is a desert, Arizona actually has a widely varied topography with low desert (Phoenix and Yuma), mid desert (Tucson and Wickenburg), high desert (Prescott, Payson, Bisbee, Sedona), plateau highlands (Williams, Page, Holbrook), and cold mountainous regions (Flagstaff, Greer).  Arizona is also home to the largest Ponderosa Pine Forest in the U.S.

Now that you know that there are places to escape to for cool lakes and fresh mountain breezes, let’s explore that summertime heat!  It is by far the most notable weather phenomenon in Metro Phoenix.  The average high temperature in the Valley for June through August is over 100 degrees.  The official temperature for Phoenix is monitored at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in downtown Phoenix – suburbs may have slightly cooler average temperatures by as much as 5 degrees.

And take comfort…it is a DRY heat!  You will hear this quite often as Phoenix, AZ residents try to console themselves during the long hot days of summer!  This means that there is very little humidity, and therefore the temperature may not actually feel as hot as it registers on the thermometer outside.  When the humidity is high, we don’t sweat as much, and are unable to cool ourselves as effectively.

With temperatures like these, it is important to keep several things in mind to stay safe and brave the summer heat of Phoenix, AZ:

	Do not leave perishable items in the car including dairy products, flowers, fish/meat or chocolate.
	Do not lie in the sun and fall asleep – you can burn quickly and seriously in a very short amount of time.
	NEVER leave children or pets in the car – not even for a minute – and not even with the windows cracked open.  It can reach over 200 degrees in a parked car in very little time.  Children and pets die every year in cars – DO NOT break this rule!!!
	Do not walk your dog on hot pavement or it will burn the pads of his/her feet.  Similarly, do not walk in bare feet on hot concrete.
	Try not to use your oven during the summertime as it will create more heat.  Use the BBQ or microwave whenever possible.
	Do not do strenuous work outside without someone accompanying you.
	Do not travel with your dog in the bed of your truck – the metal heats up fast.
	Do not leave your car outside with the windows completely closed – pressure can build up and blow out your windows.
	Do not leave CDs on the dashboard or seat of your car in the sun.
	Do not turn your air conditioning on and off – keep your house at a constant temperature. Do not turn it off during the day if you have pets in the house.
	Do not touch metal or dark plastic on your car door handles, stick shifts, seat belts, ignition switches, steering wheels, etc. – keep a small towel handy and try to find covered or shady parking!
	Drink water constantly if you have to be outside.
	Check your car’s battery often and make sure that there is water in your radiator at all times.

Monsoon Facts

	The average start date of the monsoon in Phoenix is July 7th.
	The average end date of the monsoon is September 13th.
	The average total number of monsoon days (where there is an average dewpoint of 55 degrees or higher) is 56.
	In Phoenix, normal rainfall during July, August and September is 2.65 inches.
	The average temperature is usually about 105 degrees during the monsoon season.

Monsoon Safety Tips

	Do not stand near trees or tall poles to avoid being struck by lightning, and stay in your home or vehicle if possible.
	Avoid areas that are prone to flooding.
	Do not use a telephone.
	Avoid large farm equipment, golf carts or other large metal equipment.
	Dust devils are usually associated with monsoons. Avoid them when possible.
	In poor visibility during storms, find somewhere to safely park your car. If you pull over, do not leave your lights on.  Drivers with little or no visibility behind you may think you are still on the road and follow you.
	If you are on a boat, get to land.
	Do not huddle closely together with other people. Spread out.
	Avoid wide open areas.