Beat the Phoenix Sun

By: Silean Eaves, Becca Hargis and Divona Phillips

In Phoenix, the word summer is synonymous with hot.

Though temperatures are in the excess of 100 degrees, everyday life doesn’t stop and the residents have to figure out how to beat the heat. Many people have to walk downtown to get from parking lots to their jobs or to catch public transportation.

Phoenix native Fred, outside waiting for his bus, describes what summer heat feels like to him. He said that how you dress is important. He wears long sleeves when it is hot out to keep from getting burned and keep his body temperature cool. Though, Fred grew up here, it is still an adjustment to the heat every summer.

But, everyone doesn’t agree. Donna Rider, who has lived in Phoenix for over 30 years, feels the exact opposite.

There are many ways to beat the summer heat and make it more bearable.

Donna has an unusual approach to coping with the heat. She sets her thermostat higher, so that she will not have a temperature shock when she leaves her house to go outside.

Gerald, who works as a downtown ambassador, and spends his entire shift outdoors, has two surefire ways to survive this summer heat. Staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen are important measures to combat the weather conditions.

From around the city it seems drinking water, wearing sunscreen and finding shade are the common ways to beat the heat.  Other things include: staying inside, protecting yourself with an umbrella, placing a cool cloth on your body and even finding indoor activities to do, like movies and going to the mall to escape the sun.