Super heat can be hard to handle

Fortunately, summers are short, and winters in Yuma are amazing

This weekend, Yuma County is facing an excessive heat warning.

The heat is expected to kick in on Saturday and last at least through Wednesday, officials with the National Weather Service said.

For longtime Yumans, an excessive heat warning is no big deal. But for those who might be experiencing their first summer here, it’s a little daunting.

Turning on the car and seeing a temperature reading of 123 degrees or higher, for example, is a little bit unnerving, as is getting goose bumps from the broiling-hot interior of the car.

In some climates, people plan for winter, adding a few extra minutes to their drive time that are really spent warming up the car and defrosting the windows. We don’t have that problem here in Yuma.

Instead, we turn on the car and step back out again, allowing the first few blasts of hot air to clear the vents before we settle in the car. Then, we debate if we can actually touch the steering wheel without suffering burns before driving on to our next destination.

We park the car looking for the maximum possible shade, trading the risk of ficus berries and bird droppings on our cars for the couple of degrees of coolness the shade provides.

And before we get out of the car, we tangle with those accordion aluminum shades, because blocking out every single degree of heat possible matters.

Those who have remote starts on their cars in Yuma give that button a good workout in the summer, firing up the car before they go outside so it’s a little more bearable when they get in. (And by the way — to whomever invented that fun remote start gadget? Blessings upon blessings to you from Yuma, Ariz.!)

While we may joke about the heat, do be careful, Yuma. Stay hydrated, be generous with the sunscreen, and please, don’t leave your kids or your pets in the car.

As all Yumans know, the heat can be brutal, but it’s temporary. We trade off a few months of “REALLY, REALLY HOT” for fabulous springs, falls and winters, which makes these summers worthwhile.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT?