We are hot too, although not AZ hot. The central valley of CA has been over 100 for the last 4 days and predicted to be 4 more.
Just out of curiosity how many of the folks from Phoenix have swamp (evaporative coolers) and how many have refrigerated air? I know that in Albuquerque until recently most used swamp coolers. At 5 % humidity, they should work quite well.
There is a big trail running race this weekend, the Western States 100. It starts at Squaw Valley, and finishes in Auburn. Looks like 50 at the start but 100 at the finish. Most people won't finish in the heat of day, but they will be in the canyons and that might be worse. One of my friends is running it. He trained for it by doing some hot runs in a sweatshirt, jacket, long pants, and wool cap, so he's done what he can to get ready.
I was out at WS last year when my nephew ran, and we stayed at the same motel as Gunhild in Auburn and briefly talked with her. Wasn't her race that day, but the year before was epic, and I hope she can make it again this year. Same with the 73 yr old guy who was on the track last year when time ran out.Well, look at the bright side, with all the heat the last couple of weeks the WS100 will not need to be re-routed on account of the snowpack, which was the talk up until fairly recently.
Kudos and best wishes to your friend!!
I'll be rooting for Gunhild Swanson, I read someplace this will be her last WS100 run. At age 72.
But back to the topic at hand -- warnings are being issued to PCT hikers on account of the treacherous conditions created by the rapid, massive snowmelt. Ack.
Dangerous conditions face Sierra hikers in early summer | The Fresno Bee
My car info screen yesterday driving in Central Phoenix around 3 PM indicated an an outside temperature of 126F! The official high at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport was 119F which beat the old record of 116 set only last year. Climate change may render the Phoenix area barely habitable in my lifetime; although I've lived here for nearly 30 years, we're considering a move to a less severe climate within a couple of years. The idea is to get out while the getting is still good.
The mass of people moving to the arid sunbelt are already straining the available water supplies...
I have been in PHX in summer and it is hot! But what I noticed was that the surfaces inside a car were so hat they could actually cause 1st and 2nd degree burns after sitting in the sun. I wondered why there was so little covered parking. I would consider that a 1st point-of-decision about where to shop if I lived there full time. By the way, sister lived there and car batteries last 2 years due to heat. Many other issues I've forgotten. Still I see the draw to the area - winters tend to be mild. Summer can be brutal, but you don't shovel any snow or slip on any ice. AC can be purchased which makes it completely livable - heaven help you if your AC dies during a heat wave, though.
Regarding what to do in such a heat wave? I think I would drive up to Flagstaff for a few days. Much cooler and also quite nice scenery in the general area. YMMV
..... shower a lot using comfortably cool water, ......
Lived in PHX most my life (50 years) and ironically I can count on one hand how many times they have implemented a water restriction on us and all of those occurred when I was a kid. My water/trash bill has never been over $70 and we have a pool, but have no grass areas. Not sure exactly how PHX has pulled this off given the huge growth over the years. From what I understand is we have a great underground supply with good infrastructure and we get lots of "cheap" water from the Colorado river. I have to scratch my head when I hear on the news about cities (like Colorado, California etc..) that have to go on strict water use with heavy finds for violators. PHX seems to do just fine... Hope this continues, but they always say water will be the next gold standard in the future since we will be running out someday....