Some Like it Hot.

By Janice Johnson, Deann McBride and Linda Hopson

Water is essential to life in the desert. People in Phoenix hydrate in a variety of ways to help combat the effects of temperatures soaring well over 100 degrees in the summer.

A server at Sam's Cafe delivers water to thirsty patrons.

Martin Dolan, Senior Copy Editor for The Arizona Republic says that he enjoys sitting in a shady spot by the fountain in the Arizona Center when he needs a moment to “think about nothing.” Water features located around the center help to cool and humidify the air for shoppers.


Dolan advises that water is a better choice than alcohol for liquid refreshment. He carries an insulated mug, his children have nicknamed “The Yug” filled with water he drinks each day.


“You can’t exist in the desert without water,” he said.


Carlos Gonzales, waiter at Sam’s Cafe who works out on the patio, has a different method. He says that during breaks from work, drinking hot coffee actually helps to cool him off although it seems an odd choice.


“You don’t really cool down, your body just gets used to it. It’s not a crazy as it seems,” he said.


While the Phoenix heat doesn’t really bother Gonzales, he said he wouldn’t mind trying out a different climate.


“I’ve seen rain twice this year, and it’s June,” he said. “I would like to move to a state where I get to see more rain.”