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The Effects of Weather on Human Emotions

Scientific research from numerous studies indicates there is a strong link between weather and human emotions. John Grohol of the website Psych Central points out that this conclusion is not universally supported by researchers, although the overwhelming body of evidence establishes a link between the two phenomena. Findings indicate that different weather patterns can act as either mood elevators or depressants to the human psyche.

  1. Vitamin D3 Deficiency

    • According to the Vitamin D Council, early research links Vitamin D deficiency and depression, although more research is necessary to conclusively prove this. Human skin creates Vitamin D3 when exposed to UVB radiation from sunlight. The amount of UVB radiation that actually reaches the skin varies considerably between seasons. During winter, less sunlight and radiation reach most regions, and people often dress in clothes that cover the skin more fully. Both of these factors cause Vitamin D3 production to drop.

    Serotonin and Melatonin

    • Serotonin and melatonin are brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior. Courtney Ratzburg of Vanderbilt University reports that the pineal gland secretes melatonin at night or in darkness to induce sleepiness, creating melatonin from serotonin. According to Sheri Barke of the College of the Canyons, low serotonin levels contribute to depression, sleep problems, and overeating. An important way to naturally increase serotonin is getting sunlight, but this varies between seasons. According to the Vitamin D Council, the summer sun doubles the production of serotonin compared to the winter sun.

    Temperature and Humidity

    • John Grohol of Psych Central reports that temperature and humidity both play an important role in mood. He points to a 1984 study by E. Howarth and M.S. Hoffman measuring temperature, humidity, sunlight and mood. Their 11-day study of 24 college students found that higher temperatures lowered skepticism and anxiety. On the other hand, higher humidity dampened concentration and induced sleepiness. Grohol supports the latter findings with another study from 1982 by J.L. Sanders and M.S. Brizzolara. They concluded that higher humidity lowered mood traits such as vigor and affection.

    Seasonal Affective Disorder

    • The rotating seasons bring predictable changes--notably, the winter months contain less sunlight and warmth. In some people, this causes annual mood shifts that are now known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of SAD usually begin in the fall and persist throughout winter, and include moodiness, depression and lack of energy.

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