how much hotter is it in a car

[VanLincoln]

On a typical sunny day, the interior of a parked car can become dangerously hot in a shockingly short time. The primary reason is the greenhouse effect, where sunlight passes through the windows and heats up the interior surfaces. These surfaces then radiate heat, which is trapped inside the car. Even on a mild 70°F (21°C) day, the inside temperature can reach 115°F (46°C) within an hour. On hotter days, the temperature rise is even more extreme and rapid. The rate of heating is fastest within the first 30 minutes. Cracking the windows open has a minimal effect on slowing this temperature increase, as studies have repeatedly shown. This isn't just about discomfort; it creates a lethal environment for people and pets. The following table, based on data from studies by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), illustrates how quickly temperatures can soar. | Outside Air Temperature | Elapsed Time | Interior Vehicle Temperature | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 70°F (21°C) | 10 minutes | 89°F (32°C) | | 70°F (21°C) | 30 minutes | 104°F (40°C) | | 80°F (27°C) | 10 minutes | 99°F (37°C) | | 80°F (27°C) | 30 minutes | 114°F (46°C) | | 90°F (32°C) | 10 minutes | 109°F (43°C) | | 90°F (32°C) | 30 minutes | 124°F (51°C) | A child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult's. On a 90°F day, the dashboard can reach a scorching 157°F (69°C), enough to cause serious burns. The key takeaway is to never leave a child or pet in a parked car, even for "just a minute," regardless of the weather or cracked windows. Always check the back seat before locking the car.

[VonLeah]

It gets terrifyingly hot, way faster than you'd think. Forget the "it's not that bad" feeling you get when you first open the door. On an 85-degree day, the inside of your car can hit 120 degrees in under half an hour. Cracking the windows does almost nothing. It's a deadly trap for pets and kids. Never, ever leave them in there. Not even for a quick errand.

[ZoeRose]

As a parent, this is my biggest fear. The science is clear: a car acts like an oven. We're talking about temperatures rising 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. A child's body can't handle that stress; they overheat rapidly. I always make it a habit to put my purse or phone in the back seat next to the car seat so I have to look before I get out. It's a simple trick that could save a life.

[MacBrady]

The temperature difference is dramatic due to the greenhouse effect. Sunlight enters through the glass, and the resulting heat energy becomes trapped inside. The dashboard, seats, and steering wheel absorb this energy and re-radiate it, causing the air temperature to skyrocket. This is why the steering wheel is too hot to touch. It's a powerful physical process that underscores why objects and people inside are at extreme risk, not just the air.

[SanJuliana]

Many people underestimate this danger, believing a shaded spot or cracked windows will help. The data proves otherwise. Shade only slows the heating process slightly; the car will still become dangerously hot. And the notion that "cracking the windows" makes a significant difference is a dangerous myth. Studies show it only lowers the peak temperature by a few degrees, which is not enough to prevent hyperthermia. The only safe choice is to never leave a living thing in a parked car.