Weather in the Old Pueblo

On Monday, the newspaper had this for the weather forecast for tomorrow. Note the words, "Partly cloudy and cooler," with the forecast of a high of 105°.

Truth be told, we have it easy compared to our neighbors to the north and west. I can remember a few years back when the high for Bullhead City was 126°. That's hot.

And the time we stopped out in Gila Bend on the way to San Diego. I don't know what the thermometer read, but it was distinctly hotter than anything I've experienced in Tucson. So again, we have it pretty easy.

Now, for those not from the Southwest, those that talk about their heat and humidity. Sure, it's humid back East, and hot, too. But here, well, let me tell you a true story from a few years back.

A couple, who had lived in Tucson for several years were being transferred back East. Since the couple liked the Southwest and were hikers, they headed up to Piccacho Peak for a hike. The hike is about 4-5 miles, up and over the saddle of a small mountain. I'd consider it moderate in difficulty. They did this in the summer, so like anyone in this area, they brought water with them to drink along the way. Unfortunately, they didn't make it. Their bodies were found a couple of hundred yards from the ranger station. That's what the heat in the Southwest can do. Experiance hikers with water dying in the desert. That's from tryng to complete a 4-5 hour moderate hike.

So, if you are heading out in the heat, be careful, and drink water until you slosh.