Summer heat poses deadly risk for children left in vehicles

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- One of the most serious heat-related dangers during the summer is leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.

According to the National Weather Service, more than 900 children have died in hot vehicles since 1998. The National Safety Council reports 10 child hot-car deaths so far in 2026.

When the outside temperature is 80 degrees, the temperature inside a vehicle can climb to 99 degrees in just 10 minutes.

In Missouri, leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle can also come with penalties, according to a Missouri statute. If the offense is in the first degree, the act is a class C felony. If the offense is in the second degree, the act is a class A misdemeanor.

KQ2 will update this article.