COVID-19 Cases Drop Slightly in Warm Weather, Researchers Say

Researchers at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts, have studied the effects of temperature on the number of COVID-19 cases across the United States during the spring, UPI reports. They found that the rate of infections declined as temperatures warmed up to 52 degrees Fahrenheit. However, "the effects of temperature rise beyond that [50 degrees> don't seem to be significant," said Dr. Shiv Sehra. "Based on our analysis, the modest association suggests that it is unlikely that disease transmission will slow dramatically in the summer months from the increase in temperature alone," he added. The team noted that the fewest cases were reported on days over 50 degrees, while the most cases were reported when temperatures dropped below 30 degrees. Sehra said results are in line with CDC projections that the numbers may spike again in the fall when temperatures drop.