KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – When summer heat settles over East Tennessee, finding a place where families and pets can enjoy the outdoors without overheating becomes a challenge. Two popular spots near Knoxville, World’s Fair Park and Ijams Nature Center, offer very different experiences on a hot day.
How hot do surfaces actually get?
When air temperatures reach 95 degrees, the ground beneath your feet, and your dog’s paws, can be far hotter. Sunlit grass can climb to around 105 degrees, while concrete can reach 125 degrees or more.
The hottest surfaces are typically asphalt and other dark-colored materials, which absorb more of the sun’s energy. That makes them especially dangerous for bare feet and dog paw pads.
Where to go: Shade makes the difference
Shade makes a significant difference in surface and air temperatures. World’s Fair Park offers plenty of open green space, but much of it is exposed to direct sunlight. Covered trails at Ijams Nature Center provide natural shade and noticeably cooler conditions…