Car horns blare louder, arguments erupt over parking spaces or traffic violations, and minor disagreements sometimes escalate into heated confrontations. Amid the tension, it's common to hear someone say, "It's too hot—I can't even stand myself. Just stay away from me."
اضافة اعلان
Such remarks become increasingly common during the summer, as rising temperatures often coincide with heightened stress in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. For many people, the oppressive heat doesn't just affect physical comfort—it also influences mood and behavior.
Whether people love summer or dread it, the season often sparks lighthearted debates. Some have even created social media groups such as the "Summer Haters Club," where members joke that the summer heat leaves them feeling mentally exhausted, irritable, and more prone to conflict.
The Link Between Heat Waves and Human Behavior
As temperatures climb during the summer months, questions continue to arise about the relationship between heat waves, mood, behavior, and mental health in Jordan, as in many other countries.
Although Jordan generally enjoys a moderate climate, experts say there can still be a direct relationship between high temperatures and negative moods, affecting emotional responses, concentration, and decision-making.
Current weather forecasts indicate that stable summer conditions will continue through the weekend and into next week, with sunny skies and seasonally warm to relatively hot temperatures across most regions.
Temperatures are expected to range between 33°C and 36°C on some days next week, while the Jordan Valley, Aqaba, and the Badia will experience even hotter conditions under continued dry and sunny weather.
More Stress, Less Patience
"Nobody talk to me until summer is over," jokes Mohyi Awad when temperatures rise.
Although meant humorously, his comment reflects how many people feel during periods of extreme heat. Studies have shown that high temperatures can increase stress, shorten tempers, and reduce patience, influencing mood and everyday behavior.
The effects of heat waves extend well beyond physical fatigue. On particularly hot days, many people notice increased irritability, poorer concentration, and greater emotional sensitivity.
These changes can affect family relationships, workplace performance, and even road safety because, according to specialists, high temperatures directly influence both the body and the brain, altering how people respond to everyday situations.
Heat and Aggressive Behavior
Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Walid Sarhan says the effects of heat waves extend beyond physical exhaustion to influence brain function, mental health, and daily behavior.
"The brain is one of the organs most sensitive to high temperatures," he explains. "This can affect attention, emotional regulation, and cognitive performance."
Sarhan notes that higher temperatures are associated with increased irritability, impatience, and emotional reactivity. Scientific studies have also linked periods of extreme heat with higher rates of aggressive behavior and interpersonal conflict.
He explains that heat places physiological stress on the body. Combined with dehydration and poor sleep, it can increase levels of stress and anxiety while reducing concentration and mental performance, particularly in tasks requiring sustained focus or careful decision-making.
Sleep disturbances are another common consequence of summer heat. Difficulty falling asleep or waking frequently during the night often leads to fatigue, poor mood, and reduced productivity the following day.
As a result, some people arrive at work already exhausted and irritable, affecting both their behavior during the commute and their interactions with colleagues.
Preventing the Psychological Effects of Heat
Manar Adnan, an employee at a local company, says she notices changes in her colleagues' moods during heat waves.
She deliberately avoids engaging in heated discussions during particularly hot days because disagreements can escalate more easily. In the end, many simply explain their behavior by saying, "It's too hot—I'm just not in the mood."
Dr. Sarhan warns that extreme heat may also worsen symptoms of certain mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, particularly when accompanied by dehydration or sleep deprivation.
He explains that these effects may result from several factors, including the body's reduced ability to regulate temperature, fluid and electrolyte loss, elevated stress hormones, and changes in neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation.
Some psychiatric medications may also reduce the body's ability to sweat or increase the risk of heat-related illness.
Who Is Most at Risk?
According to Dr. Sarhan, the groups most vulnerable to the psychological and physical effects of extreme heat
include:
Older adults
Children
People living with mental health disorders
Individuals taking certain psychiatric medications
People with heart disease, diabetes, or obesity
Outdoor workers
He recommends several preventive measures to reduce the mental and behavioral effects of heat waves, including drinking plenty of water, avoiding direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours, staying in well-ventilated or air-conditioned environments, and getting enough sleep.
He also advises limiting strenuous physical activity during the hottest parts of the day, ensuring that people with mental health conditions continue taking their medications as prescribed, and seeking medical advice if signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion develop.
"Mental health is affected by heat waves just as physical health is," Dr. Sarhan says. "Greater public awareness and preventive measures are essential to protect those most vulnerable to these conditions."
