I was born in Phoenix, Arizona, then at two months of age was moved to Imperial Valley, California. 300 feet below sea level, and 120 in the shade in summertime. I thought that was just fine, and when we spent Christmas in Phoenix with family I thought I was gonna die. There was a film of ice on the dog's water dish!

Now I live in Montana, and the last time I visited Phoenix, it was 107 degrees. I thought I was gonna die. Actually Flagstaff and Prescott, in the northern part of the state are quite moderate, with some snow in the wintertime, but none of that 35 below crap. I'd recommend that James kind of enter that low desert climate slowly, in stages. Besides, the drive up from Phoenix to Flagstaff is one of the most beautiful scenic drives I know, if you avoid the freeway and drive through Oak Creek Canyon.

120 in the shade? Cripes.

I remember driving through Arizona with my family. I don't know how hot it was, but when our dog jumped out of the car, the poor thing jumped up and down on the pavement until she found a very small patch of grass.

I think you're only entitled to about two weeks of good weather regardless of where you are. Here in Bush, LA, it was 88º with 100% humidity at 7:30AM this morning. Yeah, that's fun.