American Airlines has canceled more than 40 flights out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Tuesday because of extremely high temperatures.

The cancellations so far are limited to shorter flights headed for places like Flagstaff, Yuma, and Tucson.

As American Airlines explained in a statement today, those flights use Bombardier CRJ regional aircraft, which have a maximum operating temperature of 118 degrees. Tuesday’s afternoon temperatures are expected to reach 120 degrees, meaning that those planes won’t be able to take off or land at Sky Harbor.

Wednesday’s temperatures are supposed to reach 119 degrees, so it’s possible that more flights will end up getting cancelled. – Phoenix New Times

The extreme heat in Phoenix is expected to continue through Wednesday and remain very hot there until next week.

American Airlines is offering passengers the opportunity to change their flights for free if they are scheduled to arrive or depart Sky Harbor International Airport during the hottest hours of the day on Tuesday and Wednesday. Call their reservations line at 800-433-7300 for more details.

Featured image by Bernal Saborio/Creative Commons