AccuWeather.com reports with parts of the South and Midwest experiencing extreme heat and the Northeast and West receiving more seasonable temperatures, much of the nation is gearing up for summer. However, according to several studies, an increase in heat can lead to an increase in aggression.
While the exact links between heat and aggression are not entirely known, higher temperatures can have an effect on driving patterns and crime rate.
Urban areas tend to have higher temperatures because of a phenomenon known as the Heat Island Effect.
Higher populations, more buildings, more pavement and increased energy consumption can all lead to a temperature increase of several degrees or more, on average in a large city. At times the increase can be more than 15 degrees at night as the heat escapes more slowly, the larger the city.
Air conditioners had an influence in a study conducted in 1986 by the American Automobile Association (AAA). In the study, a car was positioned at a red light on a hot summer day. The driver was instructed to purposely ignore the change to green. Researchers observed horn honking patterns compared to drivers with windows rolled up indicating the air conditioning was on versus the windows down, indicated there was no air conditioning was available or it was not turned on inside their vehicles. The drivers without air conditioning honked sooner and more frequently than drivers who did have air conditioning.
According to an article in the New York Times, a study done in the early 1980s by the Centers for Disease Control found that homicides swell between July and September.
Although there are many factors that could cause the apparent rise in the crime rate during the summer months, such as school not in session, more free time, longer daylight, less sleep due to hot weather and more time spent outdoors, there does seem to be a correlation between hotter weather and elevated crime rate.
Some news teams have noticed an uptick in crime rates during prolonged spells of hot weather. Comments by various law enforcement officials suggest tended to support the same increase.
Interestingly, according to an article published in the USA Today, weather that is too hot (more than 85 degrees) can even decrease crime. The article suggested that escaping the heat became more of a priority than committing the crime.
Regardless of the possible causes and correlation between heat and aggressive behavior, keeping cool, physically and mentally may be the best solution. Consider a trip to the pool or the beach, catch a movie at the cinema, drink plenty of water and limit alcohol consumption.
Story by AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist Jim Andrews
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