MANHATTAN, Kan. – Before we know it, warm spring weather will give way to even higher temperatures and humidity, which can prove disastrous in some situations.

“As we move between cool spring-like temperatures and searing summer heat, it is time to remember just how hot it can get in closed spaces such as cars,” said Kansas climatologist, Mary Knapp. “Even in the shade with temperatures in the 80s, the temperatures inside of a car can quickly exceed 100 degrees.”

Knapp, who is the director of the Kansas Weather Data Library, based at Kansas State University, said cracking the window doesn’t do much to reduce those temperatures, because air circulation is limited. Energy from the sunlight warms the interior and gets trapped.

“Don’t leave pets or people waiting in the car. Even a short 15 minutes can be enough to risk a tragedy,” said Knapp, who is also a delegate to the national Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN).

Information about Kansas weather is available on the Weather Data Library Web site. “Weather Wonders” audio reports are available on the K-State Research and Extension News Media Web site. Information about EDEN is available. 



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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by: Mary Lou Peter
mlpeter@ksu.edu
K-State Research & Extension News

Mary Knapp is at 785-532-7019