The intense summer heat has created an unexpected problem for flight attendants: exploding soda cans.
At least 20 Southwest Airlines flight attendants have been injured this summer trying to open drinks, according to Washington Post.
The airline does not use refrigerated trucks because it does not serve its guests meals or perishable foods, so drinks are usually stored inside airports, the company said.
A Southwest Airlines spokesperson confirmed the report to Business Insider, saying the high temperatures blanketing the United States were to blame.
“We are aware of the issue and have taken steps to keep drinks cold on board, especially at our airports where temperatures are extreme,” the statement said. “It is a joint effort between our airport teams and those on board.”
“Our extensive airports – including Las Vegas, Phoenix and several airports in Texas – continue to experience record-breaking temperatures, with extreme heat arriving early and continuing throughout the summer. For the safety of our employees and customers, we are taking educational and mitigation measures regarding all heat-related risks,” the statement continued.
Firefighters from the Cyprus Forestry Department extinguish a fire that broke out in June 2024. Iakovos Hatzistavrou/Getty Images
Parts of the world have seen extreme heat this summer. Climate scientists say 2023 was the hottest year on record since 1850, and 2024 looks set to follow suit.
Up to 85 howler monkeys fell dead from trees in Tabasco after a heat wave hit southeastern Mexico last May.
Wildfires broke out on the Greek island of Cyprus in June after a heat wave.
Temperatures have also soared this month in Italy, where the health ministry has placed 12 cities under its most severe heat warnings, NPR reported.
In the United States, high temperatures are exacerbating problems in Texas in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.
At least six people have died in the Houston area due to the heat, the Weather Channel reported, and officials said the death toll was expected to rise.
CenterPoint Energy, the major power provider in Houston, said more than 2 million customers lost access to electricity after the hurricane.
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