Flights From LA to Phoenix Canceled Due to Skyrocketing Temperatures

Planes were grounded because pilots couldn't take off since temperatures listed in flight manuals - which explained how planes would perform in hot temps - didn't go high enough, so pilots had no instruction on what settings to use. Three flights bound for Phoenix, two of them American, had been canceled.

Forecasters also warned Phoenix could hit 120 degrees this week.

More than 40 American Eagle regional flights scheduled to take off or land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport between 3 and 6 p.m. local time were canceled.

Lucky for Trivett, she's flying with Southwest Airlines. And getting off the ground is only part of it: "once airborne, planes have to meet specific, engine-out climb criterion, so nearby obstructions like hills and towers are another complication" says Patrick. Project superintendent Tommy Russell says his company has held weekly safety meetings to prepare for the heat, and he will send his workers home if it hits 120.

"But in a situation like this, there is always the possibility that even if yours isn't impacted, flights connected to your flight, flights that came before you would", Slothower said.

Flights operated by American Airlines, but not using the Bombardier CRJ, were not affected by the heat.

Authorities say people should avoid the outdoors and be in air-conditioned buildings during the heat wave. The maximum operating temperature for some types of commercial airplanes is 118 degrees for and up to 127 degrees for the Airbus and other types of aircraft.

The south-western United States is braced for some of the worst heat it has seen in years. The temperature was expected to soar to 119 in Phoenix on Tuesday, a June 20 record for the city.

Most of the canceled flights were shorter distance, regional flights because of the smaller planes they utilize. American said it doesn't now expect more disruptions Wednesday, with a forecast high around 116 F. Phoenix's record high is 122 F, reached in June 1990. Lissner said airlines have canceled flights due to the heat twice before: on July 1, 2013, and on June 26, 1990, when Phoenix set an all-time heat record of 122 degrees.

On average, Phoenix temperatures for this time of year are generally between 105 and 110 degrees.

The main burn center in Phoenix has issued a warning to people to be careful around vehicle interiors and pavement and with their pets.

In the Southwest U.S., this week's heat has caused a handful of problems.