Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Meteorologist Bekah Birdsall is tracking the threat of severe weather in the Charlotte area, including damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes.
Meteorologist Bekah Birdsall is tracking the threat of severe weather in the Charlotte area, including damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes.



![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)






