Foreheads are being wiped, water bottles have become trendy and everyone is trying to make it to their destination without falling victim to the sweltering heat. It’s midday in downtown Phoenix.
A quick walk around the downtown area a little before the lunch hour proved that many residents have various methods of dealing with the heat. While several city workers had no choice but to bear the heat in an effort to complete street and outdoor upkeep projects- others appear to take rest breaks whenever an opportunity presents itself.
Inside the local YMCA, patrons sip cold drinks under the circulating fans. At a local park, one man rests under a tree and takes a nap. And no one disturbs him, as the children’s swings and slides are all deserted. In fact, he appears to be the only park patron for about 100 feet until you spot another gentlemen who has parked his bicycle and taken a seat against a blank wall.
To say it is simply hot would be an understatement. The heat has literally dictated the way many can function during the summer months.
Phoenix mother Mona makes sure she has proper hydration in her large purse as she leads her four small children around the downtown area.
“The kids like to play outside at the park, on the swings and in the sand,” Mona says. “But we’ll also go indoors and walk around the mall.
Like many Phoenix residents, Mona and her children want to enjoy the summer without being too restricted by the menacing weather. As they head off after their bus, one of Mona’s twin boys reaches for her large bottle of water.
His face says it’s hot, but he manages to wave goodbye and offer a smile.
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Being homeless in Phoenix brings out the creative mindset since the options may be limited. (Photo by Jessica Young)
Cooling off is sometimes just a matter of keeping the air in motion for caricature artist Leigh Harvey. (Photo by Jessica Young)
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