Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Lightning produces a natural fertilizer by converting atmospheric nitrogen into compounds plants can absorb.
READ MORE: wcnc.com/article/weather/can-lightning-help-plants-grow-charlotte-weather/275-4d6ac7a5-f4cb-4701-87cc-90987e521ce7
Lightning produces a natural fertilizer by converting atmospheric nitrogen into compounds plants can absorb.
READ MORE: wcnc.com/article/weather/can-lightning-help-plants-grow-charlotte-weather/275-4d6ac7a5-f4cb-4701-87cc-90987e521ce7
![Why the greenhouse effect makes your car dangerously hot
In this quick Weather IQ breakdown, WCNC Charlotte Meteorologist Chris Mulcahy uses a typical 94°F summer day to show just how quickly temperatures skyrocket inside a parked vehicle. When direct sunlight hits your car, the greenhouse effect traps heat, driving the internal temperature up to a blistering 113°F in just 10 minutes [00:09]—and hitting 123°F in under 20 minutes [00:15].
Chris explains why the first 20 minutes are the most dangerous and how factors like parking angles and a lack of shade can make things even worse. Remember to always check the backseat and keep your pets and loved ones safe this summer!
#WeatherIQ #SummerSafety #HotCarDanger #WCNC #CharlotteWeather Why the greenhouse effect makes your car dangerously hot](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZcnaGReB30E/mqdefault.jpg)









