Ways to beat the Phoenix heat

The five day forecast and heat records for June in Phoenix. Infographic created by Annie Gorenstein 

Chris Marshall, a downtown Phoenix rickshaw driver has recommendations for tourists facing the Arizona record-breaking heat.

"Take it one day at a time,” Marshall said. “You try to stay hydrated. Don’t drink too much soda. Stay away from alcohol. Just basically stay out of the heat as soon as possible and hide in the shade every now and then.”

The weather in Phoenix can feel oppressive. With June’s average daily temperature reaching 104 degrees and the pavement being as hot as 200, residents have to develop strategies to beat the heat. 

Gabel, who relocated from Utah, said his experience in the heat was like someone was holding a blow dryer to his face. He said he stays cool by frequenting his apartment swimming pool.

Kelly, a Phoenix resident, said that she carries an umbrella, water bottles full of ice and a towel for the sweat. She said she knew the heat was really serious when her mother’s shoes began to melt on the sidewalk one day.

The people who spend all day outside in the heat take their preparation for the day’s work seriously.

"I eat fruit before I come in. You don't absorb the water from it as fast as you do by drinking it," Marshall said.

Although Marshall welcomes everyone to spend less time in the sun by taking a ride on his Pedillac cab, he said there is one ultimate way to beat the heat in the downtown area:

“Get a job during the daytime in the air conditioning.”

Candace Bagwell, Annie Gorenstein, Gabriel Senteno
2014 Reynolds High School Journalism Institute
Phoenix, Arizona