As the summer’s triple digit forecasts compromise weekend plans and outdoor activities, homeowners remember just how important it is to have a properly working Phoenix air conditioning. But what many don’t stop to think about is, why does Arizona get so hot?
To put it simply, Arizona’s hot summers are the result of several factors. To understand why Arizona’s temperatures get so high, you must understand the three factors that determine a location’s climate – altitude, latitude and mitigating factors (the state’s distance from water, rocky landscape, dry air, etc.).
Low Altitude: Crank Up the Air Conditioning
Phoenix’s low altitude causes the temperature to rise because there is more air above the city, which increases the air pressure. This shoots up the temperature, and explains why most deserts are below sea level.
Low Latitude: Hotter Summers
As you may remember from geography class, a location’s latitude is its distance from the earth’s equator. Places near the equator are hotter because of the angle at which sunlight hits the earth, travelling through less atmosphere. Phoenix lies near the equator, and so gets showered by the sun’s burning rays.
The Environment Fuels the Heat
Lastly, other factors – like proximity to bodies of water and a surplus of asphalt – spike the temperatures. The low humidity in Phoenix means there are fewer clouds in the air to shield the land and absorb the heat, and the rocky terrain radiates the heat from the ground. To put it simply, the heat comes at us from all angles, which explains why Phoenix air conditioning is a must!
Is your air conditioner ready to keep you cool this summer? For air conditioning repair or replacement, contact Chas Roberts. Visit ChasRoberts.com to or call (602) 328-5066 in the Phoenix area, (520) 618-1884 in Tucson, or (505) 264-7257 in New Mexico.
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