Desert Heat 101: Navigating Tucson’s climate for new college students
Out-of-state residents adapt to Tucson’s extreme temperatures
By: Sophia Canez, Luis Rodriguez Valles, Josue Rodriguez Valles
June 9 marked the beginning of New Start, a program at the University of Arizona designed to help incoming freshmen transition and get a head start in college. That brought many new residents are coming into town. Moving to Arizona means dealing with serious heat that not everyone is used to. Carson Chronicle reporters spoke with three recent arrivals to learn how they are adjusting to the high temperatures and the creative ways they are staying cool in their new, sunny surroundings.
MARYLAND
For Anthony Alston, moving to Tucson meant leaving Maryland’s milder climate and embracing the excessive heat.
“There’s not much forecasted here besides excessive heat warnings,” he said.
According to the National Weather Service, in June alone, Tucson averaged a temperature of 104.1 F.
Despite the stark contrast in climate, Alston has found unexpected benefits since moving to Tucson.
“I’ve noticed a lot more changes in my health and general well-being,” he said. “Being in a fresh, unfamiliar environment has been a huge help mentally.”
The shift has inspired him to adopt healthier habits, such as regular exercise and sunbathing, a practice he never considered back home.
Adjusting to Tucson’s climate comes with challenges, but Alston’s advice is clear: “Keep an open mind and embrace the change.”
He encourages others to find joy in Tucson’s unique characteristics rather than dwelling on its heat.
“If I hated it out here and didn’t enjoy this city, my time here would be miserable,” he reflects. “The heat can definitely weigh you down, but keeping an open mind is the easiest way to adjust.”
Embracing the heat has also led Alston to explore new hobbies.
“I’ve been more active in the rec center because I’ve been feeling energetic,” he said. “But the more surprising one is sunbathing.”
Sitting in the sun for 20–30 minutes and listening to music has become a relaxing ritual for him, allowing him to soak in the warmth and brightness of Tucson’s climate.
As he settles into Tucson, he looks forward to discovering more about the city and its unique charms. Whether it’s adapting to the heat or exploring new hobbies, Anthony’s positive outlook serves as a reminder to embrace change and find the silver lining in every new experience.
COLORADO
Ryan Donziger moved to Tucson four weeks ago. His transition to the Tucson climate and heat has been a little rougher than Alston’s.
“It was very, very, hot, (and) in general I don’t like the heat. But I didn’t come here for the heat anyways,” Donzinger said.
Both Alston and Donziger moved from climates where the heat is relatively mild.
The differences in climate between Donziger’s former home in Denver and his current location have impacted his daily life. He is finding the Arizona heat and dryness to be extremely challenging, and he’s drinking a lot more water just to stay hydrated, which is a big change.
FLAGSTAFF
Caleb Harpst, who moved from Flagstaff to join the New Start program, is living on campus. He said Tucson’s heat was a stark contrast to his preferred “crisp 60 degrees” for summer.
Once Harpst settled in, he said, he enjoyed playing video games and making different mixes for his side job as a DJ after completing his homework. His familiarity with the campus will help him thrive in the school year as a film and TV major, he said, and hopefully by then he will be used to the heat and able to enjoy Tucson’s fall and winter beauty.
