AST Weather Blog: Even with slightly cooler temps, the heat inside your car can be deadly

It seems like a no-brainer: Don’t leave your child or pet inside a parked vehicle. But still, an average of 38 children die each year in the U.S. from being locked inside a scorching hot vehicle during the summer months.

Even on these slightly cooler-than-average days, we should remain vigilant. As our schedules change during the summer months and we get busy with other things, carelessness can lead to tragedies. Remember the saying: “Beat the heat. Check the back seat.”

To avoid these tragic outcomes, you may want to leave your purse, wallet or even your keys in the back seat to ensure you’ll double check before stepping away from the vehicle.

Keep an eye out for others as well. If you see something, say something! If you spot a child or pet locked inside a parked vehicle, act quickly. You could save a life!

Although temperatures are expected to be below average Tuesday, the inside of your vehicle can heat above 100 degrees in minutes. An hour later, it could reach 128 deadly degrees. As temperatures heat up even more late this week, those interior temperatures will be hotter as well.

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