Climate Zone confusion
Me and she who must be obeyed have been mulling over where we would like to retire. We will definitely stay in Arizona but have some options.
We have property outside Show Low which is in the central eastern area of the state. It is in climate zone 5 with approx. elevation of 6,400′. I inherited the land but I don’t think I would like to live there. My biggest concern is we are 1,000 over the water table and a well will be expensive.
We love the Prescott area and it’s in climate zone 4 and sits at approx. 5,300′ elevation.
An area we really like is Sonoita which is in the south east area of the state. It is in climate zone 2B and is at approx 4,800′ elevation. Both Prescott and Sonoita have similar weather with Sonoita being drier.
My confusion comes at the climate zone designation. My guess is that Sonoita is an outlier in climate in the area due to its elevation. I’m thinking that if we were to build there I should follow building practices for climate zone 4.
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
Replies
Looking closer at the map Sonoita might even be in zone 3.
Greg,
See below.
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Greg,
Here is a higher resolution map -- without the cities.
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Thanks Martin. Is there a place where I can see how climate zones are defined?
Greg,
Here is some bedtime reading for you -- all you need to know and more:
Guide to Determining Climate Regions by County
Great info Martin, thanks.