HOUSTON, Texas – We all know Houston is hot, but where your kids are standing and sitting can be much hotter than the air around them.
KPRC 2 meteorologist Caroline Brown used a thermogun to test common surfaces, and now we are going to explain the science behind why some stay cooler than others.
Grass is cooler because it’s alive. It has water inside and it ‘sweats’ releasing moisture through a process called transpiration. That evaporation actually helps cool the surface down, just like sweat cools us.
The grass we tested was just above 100 degrees!
Artificial turf is plastic. It doesn’t breathe or evaporate water like grass. And it’s usually dark green, which absorbs more sunlight. That combo traps heat, kind of like wearing a black shirt in the sun.
The artificial turf we measured was over 160 degrees!
Concrete gets hot, too, but it doesn’t trap heat quite like rubber or turf. It has a lighter color, which reflects a little more sunlight, but it still stores heat and stays warm well into the evening.
The concrete we measured was over 110 degrees!
Some Houston-area school districts are making changes to help keep kids cooler.
At Leider Elementary in Cy-Fair ISD, the playground is covered in a material called kiddie cushion mulch. It’s designed to absorb less heat than traditional paved surfaces, making it safer for little feet.
And, at some Cy-Fair elementary schools and early learning centers, you’ll also spot solar shades over the playground. That added layer of protection helps block direct sunlight and keeps the play area noticeably cooler.
The shaded Kiddie cushion mulch measured just over 90 degrees, by far the coolest surface we tested.
We can’t control the temperature outside, but knowing what’s beneath your feet can help keep kids safer this school year.
Before you place small children on the ground, check surfaces with your hand first to make sure it isn’t too hot.
Also, a little shade goes a long way when it comes to cooling down our temperatures.
