Arizona's scorching summers are legendary, with Phoenix boasting more days reaching 100 degrees than any other major U.S. city. With the highest average summer temperatures and about 300 days of sunshine annually, surviving the heat here has always been a challenge. Let's explore how Arizonans, from ancient times to the present, have coped with the relentless sun.

Phoenix Heat Records

Phoenix's climate is characterized by long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Some notable heat records include:

1968: Four consecutive days of 115°F or higher (June 19-22).
1974: An 18-day streak of 110°F or higher (June 12-29).
1979: 28 days reaching at least 110°F.
1989: 143 days over 100°F.
1990: June 26th marked Phoenix's hottest day at 122°F.
1993: 76 consecutive days of 100°F or higher (June 10 - August 24).

Early Survival Techniques

Native Arizonians

As early as the 1600s, native Arizonians used thick adobe to build homes that stayed cool by being partly underground or facing south to avoid the sun's peak heat.

American Settlers

In the early 1900s, similar to luxury Arizona homes today, high ceilings were a common architectural feature to allow hot air to rise, keeping living spaces cooler. The first air conditioner was invented by Willis Carrier in 1902 for commercial use, but home cooling solutions were still out of reach for many.

Evolution of Air Conditioning

1930s: The Advent of Home Cooling

In 1931, Schultz and Sherman invented a one-room air conditioner for windowsills, accessible only to the wealthy due to its high cost. By the 1950s, air conditioning units became affordable, with over 1 million units sold in 1953 alone. This innovation transformed life in the Valley, making the extreme heat more bearable.

Life Before Modern Cooling

Hohokam Civilization

The Hohokam, early agricultural settlers, developed an extensive canal system for irrigation and cooling. They built adobe homes with shaded ramadas, creating cooler outdoor spaces.

Early 20th Century

Martha Summerhayes, an Army lieutenant's wife, provided vivid accounts of 1870s Arizona life, highlighting the extreme heat and makeshift cooling methods like sleeping outdoors and wrapping in wet blankets. In the 1920s, swamp coolers emerged, and by the 1930s, evaporative cooling became common in homes and buildings.

Modern Arizona

With the invention of effective air conditioning by local company Goettl in the 1940s, Phoenix transformed. This innovation facilitated a population boom post-WWII, making the region more livable. Today, while we still feel the heat, modern cooling technologies ensure we can enjoy Arizona's unique climate comfortably.

Conclusion

Surviving Arizona's heat has always required ingenuity and adaptation. From ancient adobe homes to modern air conditioning, each era has brought new solutions to the challenge of staying cool. At The Good Pool Company, we understand the importance of a refreshing, well-maintained pool in combating the heat. Dive into comfort with our top-quality pool services and enjoy the best of Arizona's sunny days.

The History of Heat in Arizona: A Tale of Survival and Innovation