Cool weather in AZ

[phantom power]

Yesterday, we were driving from Tucson to Phoenix, and it was 68 degrees in Tucson, at 11am. As we drove back to Phoenix, the temperature very gradually got up to about 85 degrees.

I've only lived out here for 7 years, but my impression was "that's some damned odd weather, for summer." Maybe some other AZ residents can set me straight.

[Viking12]

1. Tucson altitude = 2600'; Phoenix altitude = 1500'

I suspect the difference in altitude is behind the difference in temps. I remember the enjoyable temperature change as we escaped the Valley each weekend driving from Tempe to Payson or Flagstaff.

[Massacure]

3. Usually there is only a 3.5 degree changer for each 1000 feet though.

I remember reading that fact somewhere, but don't remember where exactly. Perhaps he was driving through a weather front?

[phantom power]

7. Yeah, but Tucson is no Flagstaff.

Tucson is maybe 5 degrees cooler than Phoenix. At 11am, I'd be expecting 100 degrees during August. It was 68!

[kestrel91316]

2. This was an exceptionally coolweekend in the SW, I think.

Here in the San Fernando Valley (LA) it only got up into the 70s Sat and Sun. That is about 30 degrees lower that is typical in mid-Aug.

But I ain't complainin'.

[readmylips]

4. AZ: morning cool weather great...

We've been opening our doors wide open almost all day and turning our AC off. The rain has been beautiful here in city of Gilbert. I love the monsoons, it's quite a beautiful show from nature.

[Dez]

5. It's been great here in Sedona!

Let's hope we get some more rain today, keep it cool up here.

[Wheezy]

6. It was

quite cloudy all morning yesterday here in the Phoenix area. A nice breeze as well. Yesterday was a LOVELY day, and I agree -- oddly cool weather. It's still pleasant this morning, though we should see temps in the low 100s today (on the first day of school for my kiddos) :)

A welcome change, it was.