Depending on how long you have lived here, you’re likely aware that residents from cities all over Arizona are familiar with the intense heat that visits our state during the summer months. Arizona has a nationwide reputation for its warm temperatures and intense summer weather.
Many of us Arizonians have wondered why Arizona is so much hotter than other states year-round and during the summer. There are specific factors that contribute to Arizona’s weather during the summer and the heat that residents of Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and other cities experience. There are also solutions that you can implement to prevent your home from overheating and becoming uncomfortable to inhabit.
Arizona’s Location On the Map
As previously mentioned, Arizona is lodged in the southwest region of the United States. This region is significantly closer to the equator than other regions in the country that transplants and visitors might be used to. The state of Arizona is also separated from the cool, refreshing air current from the Pacific Ocean by the Laguna Mountains that lie near San Diego, California. Without these cool winds, the warm temperatures that build up in Arizona have nothing to balance them out. The state is already known for it’s dry climate, so it’s basically a scenario that’s built to increase temperatures dramatically without any factors to counter rises in heat.
Physical Elevation and Typography
In Arizona, portions of the state which lie at higher altitudes tend to enjoy relief from the warmer temperatures. Large parts of Arizona, including the Phoenix metropolitan area, lie in what’s considered to be the “valley”. These valley portions are especially hot. With so many mountains surrounding the state, clouds and rain are often kept outside of the warmest parts of Arizona. The average altitude of Arizona is approximately 4000 feet above sea level, but low points get as low as 70 feet above sea level.
Urban Heat Islands in Arizona
Residents of rural Arizona absolutely experience high temperatures the same way that urban residents do. However, studies have led researchers to deem major cities such as Phoenix and Tucson to be Urban Heat Islands. Urban Heat Islands are metropolitan areas which are warmer in temperature than nearby rural localities. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), annual mean air temperature of a community with more than a million residents can be anywhere 1.8°F to 5.4°F warmer than surrounding areas.
Shading Solutions with Tucson Rolling Shutters & Systems
Arizona residents deserve opportunities to keep their homes and business cool, at least on the inside. During summer months, many Arizonians head indoors to avoid overheating or heat exhaustion. To keep indoor temperatures cool and comfortable this summer, consider acquiring window shades, rolling shutters, or solution screens from Tucson Rolling Shutters & Shutters. Our shading solutions cut down on indoor heat and can help you save on your energy bill, all while delivering on both comfort and style. We also offer free consultations and free in-home estimates, so you can get a quality assessment before deciding on a shading solution.
If you’d like more information on our product offerings and shading solutions, visit our website or contact our team today.
