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Palm Springs airport tarmac hits record temperature amid Western U.S. heatwave

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Palm Springs airport tarmac hits record temperature amid Western U.S. heatwave
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Palm Springs airport | Official Website

The tarmac at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) reached 163 degrees Fahrenheit on August 7, according to ABC News. This record temperature is part of a broader heatwave affecting more than a dozen states in the western United States, with daily highs surpassing 100 degrees and increased fire risks reported from California to Minnesota.

Extreme temperatures have a direct impact on airport and airline operations. High ground temperatures can reduce aircraft performance due to thinner air, which affects lift during takeoff and engine thrust. Ground crews also face higher risks of heat stress and mechanical failures as elevated temperatures strain hydraulic and electrical systems.

Some aircraft are particularly affected by high temperatures. For example, Bombardier CRJ regional jets are not rated for operation when ground temperatures exceed 120 degrees. Airbus spokeswoman Kristi Tucker told The Arizona Republic, "Airlines generate proprietary performance charts for the airports at which they operate, and there may be an upper limit to the outside temperatures for which their performance data ranges have been calculated."

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Despite these challenges, Palm Springs International Airport was ranked as the 35th best airport in America for 2025 by the Washington Post. The airport features an open terminal design with dining and shopping options that aim to provide comfort even during peak summer heat. During major travel seasons such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, several thousand passengers pass through PSP each day.

KCRW News has described PSP’s outdoor desert garden as “the best waiting room in American aviation.” The private aviation terminal includes amenities like a swimming pool, while the all-outdoor layout contributed to increased traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic—a period when many smaller airports saw declines.

Passengers can still experience discomfort during delays caused by extreme weather. On August 7, travelers waited up to ninety minutes aboard Boeing 737s running reduced air conditioning while awaiting departure clearance from air traffic control, as reported by KESQ 3 News.

At other hot-weather airports like Las Vegas International (LAS) or Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), airlines often rely on commercial models from Boeing and Airbus equipped with robust systems designed for high-temperature operations. These flights sometimes require reduced cargo loads or fuel levels to ensure safe takeoff within runway limits.

Airport staff—including aircrews, controllers, and operations teams—are trained to manage these complex conditions with extra precautions taken during extreme heat events to protect both equipment and passenger safety.

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