Preparing U.S. Airport Infrastructure for Weather Events (2026)
Chapter: Day 1 Keynote Address
Day 1 Keynote Address
Sunny Wescott, United States Department of Homeland Security
Keynote speaker Sunny Wescott set the tone for the Insight Event by explaining the existing landscape of weather changes currently occurring in the United States and causing impacts to human health, infrastructure, and operations for various modes of transportation, including aviation.
Wescott began by stating that the last 10 years have been the 10 hottest years on record. She noted that, on a global stage, the planet has experienced extreme heat at other points in time and then explained how weather on the earth is impacted by a “carousel” of high- and low-pressure systems within the upper levels of the atmosphere. She shared that in the United States, warming is focused in the Great Lakes region, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. Infrastructure in these areas, such as airports and rail lines, are experiencing higher heat than they were designed to withstand. She noted that other regions, such as those in the south, have built infrastructure to withstand the higher temperatures that are more typical for the area; however, temperatures are projected to become more extreme.
According to Wescott, each region or continent throughout the world is facing extreme weather events, which vary based on location. She explained that abnormally high tornado activity is occurring within areas prone to tornadoes; these areas are experiencing more tornadoes per day than historically anticipated. She also noted that there are more extreme swings between weather in short periods of time. The upper-level winds are accelerating, and the troposphere is expanding, so storms can grow larger and produce new records.
Wescott stated that low- and high-pressure changes are getting more intense. As highs increase to counterbalance lower lows, temperatures and precipitation increase. Lower lows also have human health impacts; Wescott described physical and emotional impacts experienced by airport workers laboring outdoors in extreme heat. Infrastructure resource needs will increase as temperatures become more extreme, including structures and facilities related to addressing water, heating, venting, and air conditioning needs. Wescott provided the example that cell phones often overheat in extreme heat, so airport personnel on the ramp and airside might be unable to dial out in emergency situations. Additionally, she noted that vapor release and propane explosions might become a problem as extreme heat becomes a more frequent occurrence.
Wescott explained that some parts of the United States experience more severe impacts than others because of the Rocky Mountains. She noted that Tornado Alley is
shifting, and storms are expected to produce more hail with a higher density of tornadoes, increased lightning-strike frequency, and larger storm areas. Furthermore, according to Wescott, there will also be an increase in severe winter weather events that spark power outages and damage infrastructure.
Wescott said that extreme heat has impacts on transportation and infrastructure. She provided examples: aircraft do not get as much lift; helicopters cannot operate; and railroads, roadways, and runways experience more wear and tear, more delays, and increased maintenance needs. As maintenance needs increase, maintenance workforce needs will increase as well. Wescott noted that extreme heat causes increases in air pressure drops, which lead to turbulence, and increased frequency of lightning strikes leads to additional flight delays. In terms of construction, heat causes concrete not to set, cure, and harden at the proper rate. Wescott explained that employees and passengers may also experience burns from contact with extremely hot concrete, rails, and door handles, which could lead to lawsuits.
Before transitioning from her presentation to a brief question-and-answer (Q&A) period, Wescott shared multiple online resources during her discussion.1
Question 1: What top concern should airports be considering right now?
Wescott replied that it depends on what specific “pain-points” bring the airport to a halt or impact operations. She provided the example that Dallas Fort–Worth International Airport experiences extreme heat and lightning in the summer, causing delays and scheduling constraints. As a solution, Wescott suggested reducing dark colors as much as possible to reduce heat impacts and covering carports to reduce hail hazards and heat exposure for parked cars. She also suggested utilizing automated sensor networks that provide an alert for potential weather events such as low-pressure systems and strong winds.
Question 2: Are prevailing winds shifting and impacting runway use?
Wescott answered that the leading winds will be able to reach new peaks and persist for longer periods of time. Straight-line winds also are increasing, and the area of wind coverage is shifting. She added that the airport’s topography will also impact winds and be a determining factor in changes in runway use because of potential changes in wind patterns.
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1 Online resources included the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s “Climate Data Online” website, https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/cdo-web/, and the Climate Central website, https://www.climatecentral.org/.
