You are lost

When I tell people about my intention to move to Arizona one subject always comes up: heat. Granted it’s a lot closer to the equator, the majority of the state is arid wasteland and it’s primary source of shade is provided by cacti so you would expect it to be hot.

Missoula is hot. Last summer we had 36 days when the temperature went above 90, 4 of those were over 100. This summer we’ve already set a new record for hottest temperature in Missoula and there’s still 2 months to go. On average Missoula breaks 90 degrees 18 days out of the year, rarely ever breaking 100, but it’s been far from average for a while.

As Montanan’s, we think of Missoula as just another part of our little winter wonderland, and that’s been changing too. Our average snowfall is 43.8 inches. Last year we recieved a meager 19.2 inches, the second lowest in recorded history.

So what am I getting at? We’re here for the cold. Most of us don’t have air conditioning, because it’s a cold weather state. Mild summer, cold snowy winters. We aren’t prepared for the heat. Arizona deals with heat all the time. The only time you don’t have air conditioning is when you’re outside. Now I don’t want to be trapped inside next to the AC all day, but it’s not too far of a cry from being trapped at a job where the AC isn’t working all day (it’s working now).

In closing, before I get too carried away, heat is not an issue. Being prepared for the weather you’re recieving is. Unless Arizona gets a blizzard, I’ll be ok sitting next to the AC with a tall glass of iced tea.