Rarely a day goes by that we Palm Spring residents are not asked, “How do you handle 100 plus degrees temperatures?” One is tempted to say flippantly, “Carefully.” However, we know it is a sincere question. Thus, we all have our way of answering it. Let me share my perspective and how I handle our rising temperatures.
After perusing my Facebook posts, I discovered I am so appreciative that I rarely turn the air conditioner on before May 1. Our evenings are quite cool (sometimes in the high 50s), so with all the windows open, that cool air keeps my condo pleasant in the morning. About 10:00 a.m., I close the condo up because temperatures start to rise.
May Temperatures
Once May 1st comes along, temperatures gradually start to rise. I have learned to be comfortable in sundresses at 80 degrees in my home. The air conditioner does not usually turn on until about 2:00 p.m.
From then on, it is day-by-day in May. Some days may rise to 100 degrees, and then other days, it can be in the low 90s. Our low humidity allows us to tolerate higher temperatures.
June Temperatures
All bets are off for June. However, residents reconciled to the fact the summer of all air-conditioning has begun. Think of it like your winters; you turn on your heater, we turn on the air conditioner.
Our Routines
If you want to do any walking or hiking, you get up early and get on your way.
Many of us living in Palm Springs are early risers for the quiet; the beauty of our sunrises and desire to enjoy the outdoors is a great motivator. Sometimes we even catch the moon still up.
If you have errands to run, such as getting groceries, you would be well advised to do that before 10:00 a.m. I have learned to be quite comfortable out-and-about until the temperatures reach 105 degrees. However, after that, your steering wheel may get so hot you need something to enable you to hold it in your hands. If we are going to park in the sun, we put in sunshades in our front window.
With errands done and physical exercise taking care of the rest of the day can be devoted to office work, meetings, or just getting together with friends at one of our many air-conditioned coffee shops.
Evenings are an excellent time for dining outside for the temperatures in the desert start going down. The outside patios are open on at least three sides and often have misters.
If you are not dining out, now is the time we get caught up on the latest Netflix movies or read the books that we bought during our winter.
A Need to Get Away
I have stayed through the summer in Palm Springs two times. The first one was tough for the unrelenting heat and no outdoor events or college lectures. My extremely varied and active lifestyle took a hit. Thus, my happiness meter was at a low.
The second time was during the pandemic. Interestingly, this time it was easier, for I knew no one in the world was out-and-about, and we were all in the same boat. I used the time wisely to develop a strong foundation for my travel writing.
Now with restrictions easing up, I am making summer travel plans. I am not alone in saying that if one can get out at least a couple of weeks in summer, one’s attitude is uplifted. Frankly, I prefer the end of July or sometime in August.
The Fall
By September 1, evenings are cooling down, people have evening BBQs with their friends, and Palm Springs events start kicking in. Once again, people share conversations across their condo patios in the evenings, for their doors and windows are wide open. Outside dining is at its best.
No Regrets
I moved to Palm Springs from Vancouver, Washington. In Washington, I remember working at my desk in the winter, and the sun would come out. I knew I had to drop everything and go out, or I might not see the sun again for a few days.
In Palm Springs, it is a rare day when the sun doesn’t come out. Thus, I find myself happier and healthier since I am allergic to mold. Nine months of the year, I am free to move about this incredible area to concerts, lectures, and welcome visitors from all over the world, and listen to their life’s stories.
No place is perfect. However, I must say with mostly balmy days, palm trees, and very few bugs, I am one very happy woman living in Palm Springs, California.
Kathy Condon is a freelance journalist and travel writer. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide. Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News.
Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094
www.PalmSpringInsiderGuide.com
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