How hot summer days can lead to flight delays

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Air travel can be impacted by the weather in many ways, from thunderstorms to strong winds, and ice in the winter. But a recent report from the Associated Press also finds that rising temperatures on hot summer days can lead to flight delays too.

Houston is no stranger to weather-related delays, especially when there are pop up storms in the summertime. But delays from heat can impact major hubs like LAX, Pheonix Sky Harbor, and Denver International Airport because the cities have drier climates, and the air is thinner.

SkyEye13's Don Armstrong said it can prove to be difficult for planes and helicopters to take off in hot weather. He added, "As the air molecules get bigger, it takes more power to overcome that. Where in the wintertime the molecules are smaller, more intact, which makes it real easy to take off."

To get around this, fliers could see designated weight restrictions or flight delays.

The transportation team at ABC News reports this is a common occurrence every summer out west, and it is something to keep in mind when planning your next summer vacation.