Phoenix’s Blistering Heat Affects Flights and Travel

Amidst the soaring temperatures, flights have felt the “heat” when flying through the blistering weather of Phoenix. Airports say they can “handle” the heat and all the influx of passengers.

Summertime Flight Travel

News reports suggest that travel this summer in the U.S. will increase. Thanks to the Olympics in France, people are making their way to the games while others are taking holiday trips. 

Uncomfortable Temperatures 

Travel can become overbearing in the sweltering heat, as some of the hottest days have already been felt in Phoenix and other states. 

Flight Delays Because of High Tarmac Temperatures

According to NBC, the reported tarmac temperatures had risen to over 130 degrees Fahrenheit in 2022. The report said that the heat had delayed many flights in regions like California, Portland, and Louisiana.  

Americans Gearig up for Summer Travel 

The New York Post reported an estimated 80% of Americans said they would travel this year in the heart of summer. The cost of living might, but people are still traveling. 

Climate Change Is Impacting Every Industry

The scorching weather has become one of the phenomena Americans have had to somewhat adapt to this year. The temperature in Phoenix is known for being high, but now, it’s at another level of hot. For airports and air flights, this has an impact too. 

How The Heat Affects Flights 

According to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, air becomes even thinner when temperatures increase.

Flight Performance 

The Aeronautical University also said that extreme heat temperatures affect the “flight performance” and, in some cases, the instruments too.

Flight Abilities

Extreme temperatures can negatively impact the aircraft’s ability to efficiently “climb” mountainous terrain in the “rare event of engine failiure.” 

Temperatures Are Manageable to a Certain Degree

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University notes that airports and flights can monitor temperatures and handle warm temperatures that are less extreme or “closer to the norm.” 

Plan Ahead

During hot weather, the best times to fly are in the evening and the morning, the varsity says and advises passengers to plan ahead of their trip. 

Book Flights in Advance

They also advise passengers to book flights in advance to prevent delays. Airports keep an eye on the temperature and weather throughout the days. 

Flight Delays Can Be Expected 

As with other weather phenomena like hurricanes and snow storms, extreme heat interferes with the usual flight planning and scheduling of airports and airlines. Flight delays and cancelations can be expected when temperatures are in the extremes. 

How Do Pilots Handle Hot Flights 

According to NBC, the higher temperatures can cause aircrafts to underperform in some ways. Pilots need to “shed weight” like baggage or petrol before takeoff to combat this. This is why flights don’t usually operate in extreme heat. 

It Can Decrease Engine Thrust 

Experts like Patrick Smith, a professional pilot, told NBC that airplanes are better performing at lower temperatures. With higher temperatures, it reduces the plane’s capabilities. 

Temperatures May Cause Fatalities

Temperatures were already over 120 degrees fahrenheit (over 47 degrees celsius). The National Weather Service reported increased heat temperatures are among the highest related to deaths in the United States. 

Safety Priorities Friends and Family

They also advise people to prioritise the safety of newborns, young children, seniors, chronically ill, and pregnant women. These groups are most vulnerable when exposed to extreme heat temperatures. 

Safety for Kids Even When Parked at Home

The National Weather Services advises people to keep their car doors locked when stationed at home. Sometimes “kids play in cars or wonder outside and get into a car” which can be extremely dangerous. 

Never Leave Them in the Car

Experts advise drivers not to leave children, pets, disabled or elderly in the car on a sweltering day.

Heat-Related Illness 

Heat-related illness is a serious concern, especially during these hotter summers. Weather Services advises people to take heat-related illness symptoms seriously. Symptoms may include profuse sweating, extreme thirst, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. 

More Symptoms 

Oftentimes hospitalization is required. Some people can suffer from heat strokes, and some may exhibit a high fever-like body temperature over 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celcius). 

Speak to Medical Services 

Contact the nearest medical service if you or someone you know are experiencing any heat-related illness symptoms.

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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Philip Pilosian.