Association of meteorological factors with suicide

Abstract

Objective: To identify weather factors associated with an increased risk of suicide. In a number of prior studies an influence of meteorological conditions on the incidence of suicide or attempted suicide has been suggested. Method: Official data on the suicide cases of the state of Tyrol, Austria, assessed over a period of 6 years (n = 702) were correlated with a number of meteorological factors assessed at eight weather stations. Results: The risk of committing suicide was significantly higher on days with high temperatures, low relative humidity or a thunderstorm and on days following a thunderstorm. The multiple logistic regression analysis left 'temperature' and 'thunderstorm on the preceding day' as significant factors, even after adjustment for sociodemographic and geographical variables. Conclusion: Within the interaction of psychological and environmental influences in the development of suicidal ideation and behaviour, specific meteorological conditions may additionally contribute to the risk of suicide in predisposed individuals.