It’s Not Just You: Extreme Heat Is Making All of Us Really Cranky

Studies have found links between rising temperatures and a range of mental health issues

By Barbara Pierce

These are the hottest days on earth. This July we have seen the hottest global temperature ever recorded, according to data from two climate tracking agencies.

While there’s no denying the brutal heat and mugginess is physically uncomfortable, research suggests that such conditions wear on our psychological well-being, too. Studies have found links between ris- ing temperatures and a range of mental health issues including mental fatigue, aggression and higher rates of suicide.

When the temperature spikes, so too do suicide rates, crime and violence. On Twitter, there’s an increase in hate tweets and online aggression during heat waves.

“We generally see an increase in domestic violence calls in July and August, as well as December through