The Arizona desert is known for its summer scorchers. “It’s hot” is probably among the most uttered phrases this time of year, and when the mercury hovers over 110 degrees, “it’s f***ing hot” seems a bit more appropriate. That’s when neighbors start to fry eggs on the pavement and bake cookies on their car dashboards. Scalding seat belts, sweat stains and roadway mirages become the norm.

The heat can be downright daunting, but a little humor can make the temporary discomfort a bit more bearable. So crank up the AC and check out these witty words of wisdom from well-known folks who’ve also felt the sun’s fury. I encourage you to share your own “heated” comments too.

• “I’ll take heat rash over frost bite any day.” – Ken Travous
• “Welcome to Arizona, where summer spends the winter – and hell spends the summer.” – Popular saying, modified from a booster slogan in the 1930s
• “Each season of adventure reality television gets more and more challenging.  I’m waiting for them to come out with a Survivor: Phoenix in July edition.” – Linda Solegato
• “It’s so hot even my fake plants are wilting.” – Linda Solegato
• “Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day.” – Harry S. Truman
  
• “You know you’re an Arizona native when… you take rain dances seriously.” – Skip Boyer, quoted in You Know You’re an Arizona Native, When, compiled by Don Dedera, 1993
• “You know you’re an Arizona native when… a rainy day puts you in a good mood.” – Marshall Trimble, quoted in You Know You’re an Arizona Native, When, compiled by Don Dedera, 1993
• “You know you’re an Arizona native when… you recall, once, when it was so damned dry, the bushes followed the dogs around.” – Nancy Dedera, quoted in You Know You’re an Arizona Native, When, compiled by Don Dedera, 1993