As someone who grew up near the Mediterranean shore I assure you it's not dry heat, at least not close (tens of kilometers) to the sea (which is where most people live).

Tel Aviv has a similar climate to Atlanta only with less rain (which doesn't mean it doesn't get extremely humid, just doesn't rain as often).

As someone who lived outside the 10 kilometer radius, but did vacation there, I agree with you. I forgot about those last kilometers.