NCJ Number
154935
Journal
Journal of Quantitative Criminology Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: (1995) Pages: 51-70
Date Published
1995
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Data were collected in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1980, 1982, 1984, and 1986 to test the effects of weather on homicide rates.
Abstract
The weather variables tested in the study included the day's high and low temperature, dew point, precipitation, amount of snow on the ground, average wind speed, percentage of sunshine, and barometric pressure, as well as the temperature/humidity index (THI), barometric pressure change, whether the day was at or above specific discomfort points, and the number of previous days at or above those discomfort points. Control variables included day of the week and holidays. The primary dependent variable was homicide. The results point to the importance of integrating into theory the reality that people adjust to local conditions, including weather, using a repertoire of habitual adaptations. The role of weather on homicide rates was much lower than common myth would suggest. Finally, the major recurrent weather factor in the model reflected the number of days with an uncomfortably high THI. 1 figure, 6 tables, 4 notes, and 47 references