Last Updated on November 6, 2023
Arizona and Florida are two popular destinations for tourists and residents alike, especially for those who love the sun and the warmth.
However, these two states have very different types of heat, which can affect your comfort and enjoyment.
In this article, we will explore the factors that influence the heat in Arizona and Florida, and how they compare in terms of temperature, humidity, and heat index.
Temperature: How Hot is Arizona and Florida?
One way to measure the heat is by looking at the temperature, which is the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment. Temperature is usually measured in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or degrees Celsius (°C) using a thermometer.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average annual temperature for 100 major cities in the United States from 1981 to 2010 was 72.7°F (22.6°C) for Florida and 68.4°F (20.2°C) for Arizona. This means that Florida was about 4.3°F (2.4°C) hotter than Arizona on average throughout the year.
However, the temperature can vary significantly depending on the season, the location, and the time of day. For example, the hottest month in Florida is July, with an average temperature of 82.8°F (28.2°C), while the hottest month in Arizona is June, with an average temperature of 86.6°F (30.3°C). This means that Arizona was about 3.8°F (2.1°C) hotter than Florida in the hottest month of the year.
Moreover, the temperature can differ greatly within each state, depending on the elevation, the latitude, and the proximity to water. For example, the highest temperature ever recorded in Florida was 109°F (42.8°C) in Monticello on June 29, 1931, while the lowest temperature ever recorded in Florida was -2°F (-18.9°C) in Tallahassee on February 13, 1899. On the other hand, the highest temperature ever recorded in Arizona was 128°F (53.3°C) in Lake Havasu City on June 29, 1994, while the lowest temperature ever recorded in Arizona was -40°F (-40°C) in Hawley Lake on January 7, 1971. This means that Arizona had a much wider range of temperature extremes than Florida.
Therefore, based on the temperature alone, we can say that Florida is hotter than Arizona on average throughout the year, but Arizona is hotter than Florida in the hottest month of the year, and Arizona has a much larger variation of temperature than Florida.
Humidity: How Dry or Humid is Arizona and Florida?
Another way to measure the heat is by looking at the humidity, which is the amount of water vapor in the air. Humidity is usually expressed as a percentage, which indicates how much water vapor the air can hold at a given temperature. The higher the humidity, the more water vapor in the air, and the more moist it feels.
Humidity can affect how comfortable or uncomfortable you feel in the heat, as well as your health and well-being. High humidity can make you feel hotter, sweat more, and have difficulty breathing, especially if you have respiratory problems. Low humidity can make you feel cooler, dry out your skin and eyes, and increase the risk of dehydration, fire, and static electricity.
According to the NOAA, the average annual relative humidity for 100 major cities in the United States from 1961 to 1990 was 74.5% for Florida and 38.3% for Arizona. This means that Florida was about 36.2% more humid than Arizona on average throughout the year.
However, the humidity can also vary depending on the season, the location, and the time of day. For example, the most humid month in Florida is August, with an average relative humidity of 77.8%, while the most humid month in Arizona is January, with an average relative humidity of 51.3%. This means that Florida was about 26.5% more humid than Arizona in the most humid month of the year.
Moreover, the humidity can differ greatly within each state, depending on the elevation, the latitude, and the proximity to water. For example, the most humid city in Florida is Key West, with an average annual relative humidity of 83%, while the least humid city in Florida is Pensacola, with an average annual relative humidity of 68%. On the other hand, the most humid city in Arizona is Flagstaff, with an average annual relative humidity of 54%, while the least humid city in Arizona is Yuma, with an average annual relative humidity of 27%. This means that some cities in Arizona can be more humid than some cities in Florida, and vice versa.
Therefore, based on the humidity alone, we can say that Florida is more humid than Arizona on average throughout the year, and in the most humid month of the year, and Florida has a smaller variation of humidity than Arizona.
Heat Index: How Hot Does It Feel in Arizona and Florida?
Another way to measure the heat is by looking at the heat index, which is a measure of how hot it feels to the human body when the temperature and the humidity are combined. The heat index is usually measured in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or degrees Celsius (°C) using a formula or a chart.
The heat index can help you determine how comfortable or uncomfortable you feel in the heat, as well as the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration. The higher the heat index, the more stress the body undergoes to cool itself, and the more dangerous it becomes to stay outdoors for long periods of time.
According to the NOAA, the average annual heat index for 100 major cities in the United States from 1979 to 2016 was 79.9°F (26.6°C) for Florida and 75.2°F (24°C) for Arizona. This means that Florida felt about 4.7°F (2.6°C) hotter than Arizona on average throughout the year.
However, the heat index can also vary depending on the season, the location, and the time of day. For example, the highest heat index ever recorded in Florida was 172°F (77.8°C) in Dhahran on July 8, 2003, while the highest heat index ever recorded in Arizona was 160°F (71.1°C) in Lake Havasu City on June 29, 1994. This means that Arizona had a slightly higher heat index extreme than Florida.
Moreover, the heat index can differ greatly within each state, depending on the elevation, the latitude, and the proximity to water. For example, the city with the highest average annual heat index in Florida is Miami, with 84.2°F (29°C), while the city with the lowest average annual heat index in Florida is Jacksonville, with 76.3°F (24.6°C). On the other hand, the city with the highest average annual heat index in Arizona is Phoenix, with 86.5°F (30.3°C), while the city with the lowest average annual heat index in Arizona is Flagstaff, with 57.9°F (14.4°C). This means that some cities in Arizona can feel hotter than some cities in Florida, and vice versa.
Therefore, based on the heat index alone, we can say that Florida feels hotter than Arizona on average throughout the year, but Arizona has a slightly higher heat index extreme than Florida, and Arizona has a much larger variation of heat index than Florida.
In conclusion, we can say that the heat in Arizona and Florida is not the same, and it depends on various factors such as temperature, humidity, and heat index. Based on these factors, we can say that:
- Florida is hotter than Arizona on average throughout the year, but Arizona is hotter than Florida in the hottest month of the year.
- Florida is more humid than Arizona on average throughout the year, and in the most humid month of the year.
- Florida feels hotter than Arizona on average throughout the year, but Arizona has a slightly higher heat index extreme than Florida.
Therefore, if you prefer a warmer and more humid climate, you might find Florida more comfortable and enjoyable.
However, if you prefer a cooler and drier climate, you might find Arizona more comfortable and enjoyable.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you can always visit both states and experience the heat for yourself.
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