Tips to keep things cool as the heat turns up in the hi-desert

High heat and rising humidity are hitting the Morongo Basin earlier than usual this summer, and swamp coolers are struggling to keep up.

When it’s dry, a swamp cooler is a lifesaver. But if there is humidity, homes can start to feel like saunas. If you’re cooling an art studio, ensure the paper and art are protected from the moisture.

To stay cooler, open windows overnight to flush out hot air, then seal them up early in the morning.

Keep curtains closed during the day, and if you can, hang shade cloth or tarps outside sunny windows to block heat before it reaches the glass.

Reducing heat inside starts with turning off unnecessary electronics and lights—even energy-efficient bulbs and computers produce surprising warmth.

If you have an air conditioner, use it wisely. Cooling just one small room instead of the whole house can reduce your electric bill and extend the unit’s life.

 If you don’t have AC, or if running it all day is too expensive, creating a “cool room” with fans, cold water, and good ventilation can be a lifesaver.

If your car does not have AC, frozen water bottles and early morning drives can help you avoid dangerous heat during the worst parts of the day.

As temperatures climb and humidity creeps in, staying cool in the high desert becomes more challenging. Short-term tips, such as sealing your home in the morning, using outdoor shade cloth, cutting back on electronics, and creating a “cool room,” can make a real difference. Without AC, simple tricks like freezing water bottles, taking cold showers, and limiting mid-day driving help prevent overheating.

Here is a quick list for staying cooler inside Your Home:

• Open windows at night to flush out hot air, then close them up early in the morning.
• Use fans strategically to push hot air out at night and circulate cooler air in the morning.
• Cover sunny windows with shade cloths, tarps, or old sheets outside the glass.
• Close curtains and blinds during the day to trap cooler air inside.
• Turn off lights and electronics, as even small devices generate heat.
• Create a “cool room,” a small, shaded space to focus your cooling efforts.
• Take cold showers or apply cool washcloths to your neck, wrists, and ankles.
• Stay hydrated.
• Mop floors with cold water to cool down tile or concrete surfaces.
• Freeze water bottles and place them against your body or next to your bed.
• Use lightweight cotton or bamboo bedding for better airflow while sleeping.
• Soak your feet in cold water for fast body cooling.

If You Have a Swamp Cooler or AC:

• Dry out the house overnight to help swamp coolers work better during the day.
• Run swamp coolers early, before humidity rises.
• If using AC, cool just one room instead of the whole house to save energy and money.
• Change air filters. Dirty filters make AC and swamp coolers work harder and less efficiently.

In Your Car:

• Crack windows slightly on the shady side if parked outside.
• Use windshield reflectors to block the sun when parked.
• Carry frozen water bottles to stay cool on the go.
• Drive early in the morning or after sunset to avoid peak road temperatures.
• Don’t leave pets or children in the car.

Personal Cooling:

• Wear loose, light-colored clothing made of natural fibers.
• Stay hydrated and drink water even if you’re not feeling thirsty.
• Avoid heavy meals; eating lighter helps your body regulate heat better.
• Take breaks in the shade if you’re working outside.
• Listen to your body; dizziness, nausea, and confusion are danger signs.

We’ll share long-term desert-smart ideas for cooling your house, including drought-tolerant shade trees and easy structural upgrades.