Defeat the heat

By Krystin Pinckard, Shelley Job and Jillian Singletary

Temperatures hover well into the triple digits for over 100 days per year making Phoenix one of the hottest of any major city in the United States and a challenge to even Baghdad’s average 108 degree summer days.

Rather than waiting like the mythical bird to be reborn from the ashes, ingenious Phoenicians know how to beat the heat.

  

Johnathan, a transplant from Rochester, New York said, “It’s been rather hard to adapt.”

He is a sandwich delivery person and has focused on exposing himself to the heat. He always stays hydrated and takes periodic breaks to drop his core body temperature.

The misters that track through downtown are a favorite of most locals including John and Mealedia who are refreshed by the cool air they generate.

An avid bike rider and biking advocate, Paul doesn’t give up his favorite past time in the summer months. In order to keep cool, he integrates more time on the light rail and busses via the Valley Metro Transit System.

Everyone has their own ideas on how to protect themselves during the hot summer months. Most locals agree with Ty staying cool depends on drinking lots of water and avoiding the sun during peak hours.

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Johnathan, a two-year resident and Jimmy John's courier, hydrates
in the shade to stay comfortable. (Photo by Jillian Singletary)