Do Hot Temperatures Cause an Increase in Violent Crime?

Do the current 100 degree plus temperatures have you fighting mad? Well, there's a reason for that...

Why Hot Temperatures Spike Violent Crime

Have you found yourself a bit more on edge, having less patience, and generally just a bit more...angry than usual?

Studies show Mother Nature is probably to blame.

Assistant professor of criminology at St. Mary’s University, Dr. Colton Daniels tells KENS5.com that, when people are hot, they just get mad a whole lot easier.

Dr. Daniels tells KENS5.com -

"A lot of the things people get in fights over; they are not worth it. "Keep – no pun intended – a cool head upon yourself.”

Criminologists have long studied and have made correlations between a rise temps and a rise in violent crime.

Other reasons associated with the traditional rise in violent crimes during the hotter summer months are the facts that people are more out and about during summer months, alcohol consumption increases during the summer, and days are longer with regard to sunlight.

Add all of that together and throw in the fact people are aggravated and grumpy from the heat, and you get a spike in violent crimes.

According to nytimes.com, heat has also been linked to a rise in mental disorders, suicides, and death.

From nytimes.com -

"Heat not only fuels feelings like irritability and anger, but also seems to exacerbate mental illnesses, such as anxiety, schizophrenia and depression.

Older adults, adolescents and people with pre-existing mental illnesses are particularly vulnerable."

With temperatures soaring above 100 degrees, obviously it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to keep you house comfortable.

This can have an effect on your health as well.

According to the study reported on by nytimes.com, days and weeks of sleeping in warmer temperatures "can exacerbate chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease."

Read more at nytimes.com.