Melting crayons show why you should wear lighter colors in heat wave

Should you wear darker or lighter clothes when you are in the sun?

That’s the answer the ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather team sought out earlier Wednesday through an experiment of melting crayons.

Crayons which are largely made of paraffin wax and color pigment were used for this experiment because of the wide variety of colors, and low melting point of the wax. According to crayola.com, crayons melt anywhere between 120-147 degrees, which when placed in the direct sunlight was an easily accessible temperature.

The idea behind melting crayons is to give a better representation of just how darker colors absorb heat better than lighter colors. Although there is some physics to back up wearing darker colors in the sun, lighter colors are overall better for you.

As seen in the picture accompanied at the top of this article, you can see how the darker colors melt quicker than the lighter colors.

Although it’s still ridiculously hot outside and the lighter colors did melt, in heat waves like we are seeing now across Mid-Missouri, the lighter colors are your best bet when outdoors. The lighter colors will reflect more of the sunlight keeping you cooler, although in heat like we are seeing now you won’t notice much difference.

It’s best to remember that in excessive heat to always drink plenty of water and limit your exposure outside, in order to prevent any heat related illness.

Stay with ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather as we continue to track the building heat and follow us on Twitter @ABC17Stormtrack.