The summer of dry heat is upon us. Accuweather meteorologists have predicted another hot summer in Scottsdale, but the temperatures may not reach as high as they did in 2024. While many people in Scottsdale enjoy the dry heat, with some claiming it doesn’t feel as brutal as humid heat, it does pose significant health issues relating to sinus and nasal health. Now is the time to understand how dry air affects the sinuses, what symptoms to watch for, and how to manage or prevent irritation.

Why is Scottsdale So Hot and Dry Right Now?

Scottsdale is home to the Sonoran Desert climate, which consists of low annual rainfall, humidity often falling below 20% in the summertime, and high temperatures during the day that evaporate moisture very quickly.

Unfortunately, all of this leads to dry nasal passages. More humid climates allow nasal passages to stay more naturally lubricated.

How Dry Heat Affects the Nasal Passages and Sinuses

There’s a handful of ways that the dry heat can negatively impact your nasal passages and sinuses, including:

• Nasal drying: Mucus membranes lose moisture, leading to dryness, crusting, and irritation.
• Thickened mucus: Without enough moisture, mucus becomes sticky and more complicated to clear.
• Increased inflammation: Dry, irritated tissue becomes inflamed, contributing to sinus congestion.
• Impaired defense mechanisms: Dry sinuses can’t effectively trap and clear allergens, pollutants, and microbes.
• Other results include nosebleeds, sinus pressure, and even snoring.

Common Sinus Symptoms During Scottsdale’s Dry Season

You’ll be able to self-diagnose if you’re feeling the impacts of Scottsdale’s dry heat if you experience:

• A dry, scratchy, or burning sensation in your nose
• Frequent sneezing or nasal irritation
• Postnasal drip with thick or discolored mucus
• Facial pressure or headaches
• Recurrent sinus infections
• Worsening of chronic sinus conditions or allergic rhinitis

These symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort if left unaddressed.

How to Protect Your Sinuses in the Dry Scottsdale Climate

Hydration is key: Hydration is essential in avoiding heat-related illness in Scottsdale. Drinking plenty of water daily to maintain mucus membrane function is also necessary. Saline nasal sprays or rinses can also hydrate the nasal passages.

Promote humidity in your home: Use a humidifier in your bedroom or main living space. When possible, aim for 30–50% indoor humidity.

Stay inside when you can: Avoid prolonged exposure to direct, dry outdoor air—especially during windy or dusty days. Use fans and AC to stay cool, but make sure the air isn’t blowing directly at your face.

When to See a Specialist

If you experience ongoing sinus pain, frequent infections, or symptoms that last more than 10 days, it may be time to consult a sinus specialist. Chronic sinus issues could require advanced treatments like balloon sinuplasty or allergy management to provide relief.

At Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Our team of experts is well-versed in protecting patients during the dry, hot Scottsdale summers, and we use the latest medical technology to provide practical, personalized treatments.

Closing Thoughts

You may think Scottsdale’s dry heat may feel “better than humidity,” but it comes with real risks to sinus health. This summer, stay proactive and seek medical help if symptoms persist. Schedule a sinus health consultation with the experts at Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center of Scottsdale to learn more about how to stay safe during the coming summer months.