Keeping Cool During a Las Vegas Summer

For some people, the worst part about Las Vegas is the brutally hot summers. With temperatures regularly exceeding 110 degrees in the summer months, its no wonder why people will do anything to cool off. Normally, this is the time where community pools and waterparks would come in to give a quick way to cool off. Both Wet N' Wild and Cowabunga Bay are open again to the public, and many communities are reopening their pools. However, some people may be uncomfortable going back out to these places with the pandemic so fresh in our minds. If that's the case, here are 7 ways to beat the summer heat while at home!

Block the Sun:
The easiest way to keep you (and your house) cool is to keep as much heat out as possible. One of the most effective ways to do this is by simply closing curtains and/or blinds during the day when the sun is at its strongest. This can be further improved upon by using curtains that are white on the window-facing side. This can reflect light and further reduce the amount of heat trying to get in your home.

DIY A/C:
Air conditioning units typically run nonstop during the summer in Vegas, but sometimes that isn't enough. If you need some additional cooling in a small area make a DIY A/C by putting a bowl of ice in front of a fan. As the ice melts and evaporates, it will cool the air being blown by the fan.

Fans:
Speaking of fans, they also help keep you cool without using a lot of power or using an expensive cooling system. In the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counter-clockwise. When they rotate this way, they push air down, creating a cooling breeze. Standing fans are also helpful as they help circulate air. The circulation helps keep things relatively cool.

Turn Off Appliances:
Electrical appliances that are left on generate heat that most people may not even be aware of! When you leave a computer, laptop, TV, game console, or any other moderately sized appliances on, they produce heat that will make it harder to keep your house cool.

Stay Hydrated:
One of the biggest tricks the desert plays is making you realize you aren't sweating. Especially when exploring the Strip or hiking through Red Rock during the hot summer months. Whenever you venture out, or even when staying inside, staying hydrated helps your body keep itself cool.

Eat Light:
What is put into your body has a very large impact on the way you feel. Obviously, drinking and eating cold foods helps keep you cool, but also the kind of food is important as well. If trying to stay cool, stay away from heavy, fatty foods such as fast food. Instead, try to eat fruits and veggies, along with other food items that contain large amounts of water. These foods will refresh you, hydrate you, and most importantly, keep you feeling cool.

Think Cool:
While it may sound silly, thinking about colder climes, reading books or watching movies set in snowy environments, and other "cold thoughts" have been scientifically proven to help reduce the feeling of heat/warmth. Just by taking your mind off the sizzling asphalt and the heat-wave mirages you see over the desert, your body will feel cooler.