If you’re not used to such extreme weather, the notorious Arizona summer can seem a little daunting. Temperatures frequently reach triple digits, and last July Phoenix broke records for reaching 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Maybe you’ve heard horror stories about tarmac roads melting, or about close encounters with the local wildlife. Well, we’re here to settle your concerns. The truth is, so long as you’re sensible, summer in Tucson isn’t really that deadly, and you can still have a great time. We’ve composed this list of some of the things to look out for and how you can avoid them, so you can enjoy this summer sweat-free.
The Sun
It’s so important to look after yourself in the heat, and listen to what your body is saying. Exposure to extreme heat for too long can result in sunstroke or heatstroke, and that is definitely something you want to avoid. Symptoms include confusion, cold and clammy skin, dizziness and headaches.
What should you do?
This one is all too easy to prevent! Become as attached to sunscreen as you are to your phone, and bring it everywhere with you. Make sure it’s at least SPF 30, and if possible try to stay out of the sun during midday, when it is at its hottest. This might mean you have to tweak you daily routine, and get out hiking or running in the mornings instead.
If sunscreen is going in your left pocket, keep water in your right. It’s normal to sweat a lot in the heat, so staying hydrated is vital. Do whatever it takes to keep yourself hydrated, whether that’s topping up your water bottle every hour, or treating yourself to your daily dose of eegees- we won’t judge.
Wildlife
While it’s great being situated so close to nature, it also means we have to be cautious of those that share the wilderness with us. The rise in temperature means Tucson’s exotic wildlife come out to play, and it’s not unlikely to come into contact with a rattlesnake on your adventures into the national parks. Tucson Arizona Poison and Drug Information centre received about 160 reports of rattlesnake bites last year. While there were no fatalities, a rattlesnake bite is still definitely something you’d rather avoid.
What should you do?
There are a few steps you can take to keep safe on your hikes. Rattlesnakes like thick vegetation, and lurk under and around large logs. It may sound like common sense, but keep your arms and legs out of holes and places you can’t see. If you do encounter one, take a couple of steps back so you aren’t in striking range, and try not to freak out, you will be fine!
Cars
You’ve most likely heard the stories about people frying eggs and various other foods on their car dashboards in the Tucson heat. Cars are particularly susceptible to the summer heat, as windshields allow sunlight an unobstructed pathway into the car’s interior. This causes a mini greenhouse effect and can make sitting in a car pretty unbearable, as the dashboard, wheels and seats heat up immensely.
What should you do?
If you can, always park in the shade, even if it means walking that little bit further to your destination. As shade parking is usually the first to go, it’s worth carrying a sunshade in your car, so you can create your own sun blocker wherever you’re parked. You can make your own out of beach towels, and push it against the windscreen to block out all that light.
These simple tips will help you conquer the Tucson summer, so you can enjoy yourself. So long as you are aware and careful, you can really make the most of the sun, and kick back and relax. Tucson offers so many summer activities, both in and out of the sun, that you do not want to miss out on. If you need a place to stay for the summer, or for longer, Stargate West offers a variety of luxury apartments, so contact us today!