In some American cities, choosing to live without air conditioning is a nightmare. From the scorching heat of Fresno and Tucson to the humid conditions of Miami and Orlando, these cities’ unbearable weather conditions make AC a necessity. Here’s a look at the worst cities to endure without it:
Phoenix – Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, experiences sunnier days than any other American city. In the absence of an AC, surviving the blazing heat would almost be impossible. With temperatures often soaring past 110°F, it would be unbearable to live without artificial temperature regulations. A major heatwave in 1990 topped the records.
Las Vegas – Nevada
Sitting in the Mojave Desert with extremely high temperatures, Las Vegas calls for artificial cooling. The famous Strip’s neon lights can’t save you from the scorching heat. Without air conditioning, you would never want to live in this city, especially when it experiences heatwaves.
Tucson – Arizona
Living in Tucson without air conditioning would expose you to the brutality of its weather. With summer temperatures often hitting highs of 100°F, you’d rethink your decision during the city’s infamous “monsoon season.” Tucson hosts the globe’s biggest collection of optical telescopes at Kitt Peak National Observatory.
Riverside – California
The burning heat of Riverside’s summer would expose you to a sweat-soaked struggle without an AC. Known for the historic Mission Inn, its temperatures often hit 100°F. The infamous 2018 heatwave resulted in residents hustling for relief at cooling centers that were created in response. An AC is a must.
San Antonio – Texas
San Antonio summers can make you wonder whether the sun moved closer to the earth. Frequently going above the 100°F mark, not having air conditioning is a mistake you can’t recover from. It’s interesting that it is home to the largest Mexican market outside Mexico.
Miami – Florida
High humidity and temperatures over 90 °F make this city unlivable in the absence of an AC. The only U.S. city founded by a woman, Julia Tuttle, can sometimes be unwelcoming if you ignore this important machine. Without AC, a power interruption would feel like eternity in a steam room.
Houston – Texas
Houston is another of Texas’ cities where temperatures can triple during the summers. Your life will be miserable without air conditioning in the city of the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo. Its heat waves often disrupt the power systems, further worsening the situation.
Fresno – California
Triple-digit temperatures are common in Fresno, meaning life would be unbearable if you couldn’t control the heat. The raisin capital’s heatwaves are another problem that compounds life. The relentless heat and dry air will transform your house into an oven, making a day without an AC unbearable.
Dallas – Texas
Dallas is home to some of the highest temperatures in the U.S., and life without cooling systems is almost unimaginable. This could explain why it is home to the frozen margarita machine’s invention. During heatwaves, it gets worse because of the power outages.
Orlando – Florida
In Orlando, the temperatures commonly go above 90°F, accompanied by high humidity. Air conditioning is a must-have in the home of the largest collection of Tiffany glass. Additionally, its frequent thunderstorms invite blackouts, leaving residents sweating it out. This is why you will need ACs to survive in your home.