Mid‑90s heat can turn a parked car deadly in minutes. Federal safety officials say interiors can climb roughly 20 degrees in 10 minutes , and children’s bodies warm far faster than adults’ Children are especially vulnerable because their bodies heat up three to five times faster than an adult’s.. Even cracked windows or shade don’t slow the danger .
On a 94‑degree day, a vehicle can hit 113°F in 10 minutes, 123°F in 20, and 137°F within an hour . The National Weather Service notes some children have died in as little as 10 minutes inside a hot car . Interior surfaces can soar past 180°F .
Pets face similar risks. Dogs and cats struggle to cool themselves in extreme heat, and certain breeds, older animals, and young pets are especially vulnerable . Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, confusion, collapse or seizures, and require urgent veterinary care Heavy panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, confusion, collapse or seizures can indicate heatstroke..
Outdoors, once temperatures reach the mid‑90s and the heat index tops 100, people should drink water regularly, take breaks in shade or AC, avoid alcohol, wear light clothing, and watch for symptoms like dizziness or confusion .
Seniors are at higher risk because health conditions and medications can affect how their bodies handle heat . The CDC advises checking on older adults twice daily during extreme heat to ensure they have cooling, hydration, and are not showing signs of heat illness Make sure they: Have working air conditioning or access to a cooling location.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs include confusion, slurred speech, seizures, loss of consciousness, or very high body temperature. Call 911 and begin cooling immediately . If a child is found alone in a vehicle, authorities say to call 911 right away—every minute counts