Extreme heat grounds flight here
Weather warning in place until Saturday
The extreme heat is grounding at least one flight out of Yuma International Airport today. American Airlines Flight 2902 from Yuma to Phoenix at 3:05 p.m. has been cancelled due to excessive heat.
In addition, American Airlines is sending the passengers scheduled to fly from Phoenix to Yuma on Flight 3040 by bus; passengers will arrive in Yuma around 6 p.m.
On Monday, American Airlines’ Yuma Station Manager Ryan Jarvis and his team reached out to the 50 passengers who were to travel on the 3:05 p.m. flight to Phoenix in an effort to reschedule their flights.
“Ryan and the American Airline team here in Yuma are doing everything they can to take care of their passengers,” said Gen Grosse, corporate account manager for Yuma International Airport.
Passengers with questions or who want to re-
schedule can call the American Airlines Reservations number at 800-433-7300. Spanish-speaking customers can call 800-633-3711.
Temperatures reached a high of 115 degrees in Yuma on Monday, but flights on that day went on as scheduled.
However, the temperature on Tuesday could reach a high of 120 degrees. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning on Monday that is in effect until Saturday for southwest and southcentral Arizona including Yuma, Phoenix and the surrounding desert communities. The agency is forecasting highs of 110 to 120 degrees during this period.
Grosse noted that American Airlines has set 118 degrees as the maximum outside operating temperature for the Bombardier CRJs serving regional airports. The airline explained that extreme heat creates changes in the air density that make it harder for airplanes to take off. Airlines respond by imposing weight restrictions, such as carrying less cargo and fuel, in some cases, they will ground flights during peak heat.
The National Weather Service is also warning about the potential of heatrelated illness and even death during this heat advisory period. Those working or exercising outdoors during the daytime, the elderly and those without access to adequate air conditioning are most at risk, the agency noted.
Among the recommendations: Kids and pets should not be left unattended in cars. Everyone should drink more water than usual and avoid alcohol, sugar and caffeine. When outdoors, people should wear light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to keep the head and body cooler. They should take frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
In Yuma, several organizations provide cooling and water distribution services. The Yuma Heat Relief Program lists the following: Crossroads Mission, 944 S. Arizona Ave.; First United Methodist Church of Yuma, 298 W. 3rd St.; HOPE Inc., 201 S. 1st Ave.; National Community Health Partners, 255 W. 24th St., Suite 4; Salvation Army Family Thrift Store, 600 W. Catalina Dr.; Starbucks Coffee Company, 2383 W. 24th St.; St. Paul’s Episcopal, 1550 S. 14th Ave.; Western Arizona Council of Governments, 1235 S. Redondo Center Dr.; Walmart, 8151 E. 32nd St.; Greater Foothills Helping Hands, 11776 S. Sheryl Dr.; and Salvation Army Foothills Family Thrift Store, 11825 S. Fortuna Road.
The National Weather Service stressed that people should learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness. Early symptoms include headache, thirst and muscle cramps. Serious symptoms include weakness, skin that is cool to the touch, fast but weak pulse, nausea and fainting.
Severe symptoms include hot and red dry skin, fast and strong pulse, sweating that has stopped and unconsciousness. Untreated heat illness can lead to fatal heatstroke.