Outside temp sensor

[ben_moto501]

Odd question...
2010 2.2 fwd mk7. I'm assuming the outside temp sensor is fitted somewhere where it doesn't get influenced by engine temp.
However, on my van the outside temp, as displayed on the lcd screen, rises a lot when in slow traffic when it's a hot day. I've only just noticed this happening even though I've owned the van for a while.
The first time I noticed this happening the outside temp was around 30 degrees, when in slow moving traffic it rose to 47 degrees! It was terrible traffic on the motorway that I was stuck in for ages! It's reasonable to think it would rise in this situation but not by that much, which is making me think my engine is producing more heat than it should?
Since noticing it the first time I keep checking and it happens all the time, today the temp was actually around 27 degrees yet in average traffic, the outside temp (on the dash) went up to 36 degrees.
The engine temp guage is rock solid at the half way point, it always has been.
I've checked the fans are working.
Am I being paranoid or is there something a bit wrong here?

Any thoughts?
Thanks

[metalworker0]

You are getting all the heat from the other cars ..they have radiators that have fans blowing or sucking the air ..discharging under the vehicles ..this heat also picks up the exhaust heat ..plus there is an exhaust pipe at the end to dump more heat .... get a row of cars ..and all is combined... add a black tarmac surface that on a really hot day you could probably fry and egg on radiating more heat, it all adds up, there is no way of getting around it. the true heat will only be displayed when you are not in cues or stopped and whether is dull and cloudy . in the winter it still may be out, as you have sewers under the road radiating heat.
so it will work well .if:
You are travelling over 5mph
Not in town or city
On a dull day
Not in a cue.

all the best.mark