Ice Break Day in Tucson? Arizona? by Elaine A. Powers, Author

Ice Floe jutting from the ocean
Image by Simon Matzinger from Pixabay

Here in Tucson, we recently celebrated Ice Break Day. It occurred on June 9, 2019 at 2:37 pm, as reported from the Tucson International Airport. Those of you up North know what ice break originally meant. During winter, rivers and bays have been known to freeze solid. Ships are unable to navigate the waters until spring when the ice breaks. Consequently, supplies are limited until the ships are able to push through.  Ice breaking ships were built to aid in hastening this release from being ice-bound. Many communities hold events to guess when ice break will occur in their waterways.

Here in the Desert Southwest, where we enjoy our dry heat, we also celebrate Ice Break. However, the only ice we have here is our freezers.  We frequently add it to beverages for cold refreshing drinks. So, what is Ice Break in Tucson? It’s the day and time we officially reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time in a calendar year. Many TV station weather-people have contests with prizes for the person whose guess is closest to the actual time.

“Has Tucson ever failed to have a 100-degree day?” you ask.  Hah, you’re amusing.  Ever since temperature records have been kept, it has reached 100 degrees every year.

How does 2019 compare to previous years for the Ice Break?  The earliest date was April 19, 1989 and the latest was June 22, 1905.  May 26 is the average.  So we’re a bit later than average this year, although we had several near misses earlier.

So, just how hot does it get in Tucson?  The highest recorded temperature was 117 degrees on June 26, 1990. Even with the low humidity, that would be hot.

Many people head for cooler climes when the summer heats here in Tucson, but I enjoy the hot temperatures. I say, Don’t go! Make your plans now to be here for next year’s Ice Break in Tucson and get that chill out of your bones.

Elaine A. Powers is a true adventurer and the author of science-based children’s books, written in rhyme and adventure stories.

Lyric Power Publishing also publishes supplemental, educational workbooks with activity sheets to help keep the kids busy during the summer.  My Book on Directions and Place is packed with information to help your child understand directions, use maps, the Compass Rose, etc.

a green and white book cover with an image of a Compass Rose

 

CURTIS CURLY-TAIL COMES ALIVE ON YOU TUBE!a curly tail lizard on a bahamian beach with blue sky and ocean, sand and green plants
Elaine A Powers Author Conservationalist Biologist
Click Image to Hear “Don’t Call Me Turtle!”image of woman reading book at tucson botanical gardens
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