Whether you’ve lived in Phoenix your whole life or are new to the area, beating the heat isn’t always easy. In the coming months, the daily temperatures in the Valley can reach up to 110°F. On days like those, finding a cool place to shelter can make all the difference in the world. Many residents find peace under their backyard awnings or pergolas, but even these spaces can become unbearable in the extreme heat. Our team Mesa Awning has put together a few ideas for beating the heat this summer.

1. Park in a Shady Spot

In Arizona, we don’t have to worry about cars not starting because it’s too cold. We do, however, have to deal with issues caused by extreme heat, including dead batteries, broken rubber hoses, and overheated engines. It’s also not uncommon for the interior temperature of a vehicle to reach 150°F, which means it can get extremely hot, especially if you park in the sun. To help keep your vehicle cooler, park in a shady spot under a tree or a carport. You’ll be thankful you did.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

When it gets hot in the Valley, staying hydrated is essential. Not drinking enough water can lead to heat strokes, dehydration, and other sun-borne illnesses. As the temperatures rise, so should your water intake. Generally, two liters of water a day is recommended but, under the Arizona summer sun, you should be drinking even more. How much water you drink also depends on your lifestyle and how active you are. The more activity you do in the sun, the more you need to rehydrate your body. But be careful, drinking too much water can also be detrimental!

3. Get Outside Early

If you think that when the sun goes down, so do the temperatures, you may be in for a rude awakening. The heat in Arizona lingers, and nighttime temperatures rarely dip below 80°F in the summer − and not until 4 AM. If you have a lot to get done, try scheduling your activities for the early morning hours before the sun gets too high and the earth warms up beneath your feet. Afternoons in the Valley can be unbearable at times, so getting errands completed and yard work accomplished before noon is a great way to beat the heat!

4. Install a Screened Porch

Nobody likes to be cooped up indoors all day. That’s why many Arizona residents have found that adding a screened porch is more enjoyable than sitting inside. These porches offer a cooler and shadier living space that are a great extension of your interior living space. Some even spruce up space with outdoor furniture and an additional awning to cover an exterior patio. Enjoy a fresh glass of lemonade in the afternoon, and beat the heat all with the comforts of your screened porch.

5. Eat Fresh and Light

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the day is a great way to keep your body temperature low and to avoid feeling bloated. When you eat fried and fast foods, your body has to increase its internal temperature to digest meals and use up all the calories you’ve taken in. When you eat light, your body doesn’t have to work as hard to digest food and some fruits and vegetables can keep you feeling full longer. Plus, you even get part of your daily intake of water in fresh fruit and vegetables. Here are several water-rich foods to try this spring and summer.

Beat the Heat with Mesa Awning

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up the exterior of your home or offer your family more comfort and shade in the summer, then check out the awnings, pergolas, decks, and patio covers from Mesa Awning. Our expert team can help you pick out the right covering and bring your backyard dream to life. We’ve done a variety of projects for homeowners throughout the entire Phoenix Valley, and can’t wait to hear from you! Get your free quote online or call (480) 969-4064 to schedule an appointment.