Environment

Extreme Heat Wave Grounds Flights

Written by SK Ashby

It hadn't occurred to me that extreme heat waves exacerbated by global warming and climate change could disrupt the airline industry, but that's where we're at today in 2017.

The worst heatwave in decades is sweeping across the southwest and some flights in Arizona have been grounded as a result.

According to a statement from American Airlines, the American Eagle regional flights use the Bombardier CRJ aircraft, which has a maximum operating temperature of 118 degrees. Tuesday's forecast for Phoenix included a high of 120 degrees, and the flights that are affected were to take off between 3 and 6 p.m. MT.

Customers affected were told to contact American Airlines for rebooking options or to request a refund.

So begins the list of a million side effects and unforeseen consequences that we haven't even pondered yet.

I know we have readers in Arizona and I really don't know how you do it. I can barely handle the summer heat in Ohio.