Weather has a powerful effect on people. It influences health, intelligence, and feelings. In August, it is very hot and wet in the southern part of the United States.
Southerners have hart attacks and other kinds of health problems during this month In the Northeast and the Middle West, it is very hot at some times and very cold at other times. People in theses states tend to have heart attacks after the weather changes in February or March.
Weather can also affect intelligence. For example, in a study conducted by scientists in 1938, the IQ (intelligence quotient) scores of a group of college students were very high during a hurricane, but after the storm, their scores were 10% (%) lower than average. Hurricanes can increase intelligence. In contrast, very hot weather can reduce it. Students in many U.S. states tend to do poorly on tests in the hot months (July and August).
Weather also has a strong influence on people's feelings. Winter can be a bad time for thin people. They tend to feel cold during these months. They may feel depressed when it is cold. On the other hand, when it is hot in the summer, overweight people may feel unhappy. Summer heat can make them feel tired and irritable.
Low air pressure relaxes people. Lack of memory increases. People leave more packages and umbrellas on buses and in stores on low-pressure days.
There is a "perfect climate" for work and health. People feel better at a temperature of about 64ºF with 65% humidity (moisture in the air).
Feeling sick, sad, tired, forgetful or too smart today? The weather may be the cause.