Temperatures on the tarmac at Mesa Gateway Airport are soaring to record levels this summer, challenging the resilience of workers who spend their days in the scorching heat. FOX 10 Phoenix reports that during peak summer days, while the air might register at around 110 degrees, the ground on the pavement can reach a stifling 144 degrees.
Josh Kappes, who has been working as the head tamper at Mesa-Gateway Airport for 14 years, deals with the extreme conditions daily, Head Topics mentions that despite the unrelenting temperatures, Kappes never truly grows accustomed to it. "But I wish I could say you get used to it, but I'll be honest with you, after 14 years you never really get accustomed to it," Kappes told FOX 10 Phoenix. This standing alongside Kappes, travelers feel the wrath of the heat as they move briskly across the tarmac, making way to the refuge of the airport's interior or the dubious comfort of an air-conditioned aircraft.
A variety of outdoor professions across the Valley, including landscapers and first responders, also confront the extreme temperatures head-on. Yet, it is the airport rampers who must navigate the brutal heat on surfaces that amplify it, preparing planes for takeoff and ensuring safe travel for passengers. Against South Dakota winters that seem to bring some solace, passengers voice their discomfort in the Arizona heat with simple statements acquired by FOX 10 Phoenix: "Oh man, it's hot," while another expressed a preference for cooler climes. "My wife loves the heat. I love the South Dakota winters."
To cope with the heat, Kappes equips himself with protective gear, including a big hat and thick-soled shoes, according to his interview with FOX 10 Phoenix. The extreme weather hasn't dampened his passion for his job, though. His dedication reflects the silent understanding that endures among Valley workers. "You know, I love it out here," he adds. "As miserable as it is, you know the other seven months of the year it is absolutely heavenly." Amidst the relentless temperatures, it's clear that for Joshua and his colleagues working at 110 degrees on the ground, their drive to keep the planes in the sky is as strong as ever.
