Tonight I found myself watching one of those cheesy made for TV horror/suspense movies. As usual the plot involved an evil character disguised as a good guy until it all predictably spins out of control and the truth emerges through a series of vicious crimes committed in a climactic frenzy. You know just when things are going to go bad… as soon as the thunderstorm rolls in. It happens every time and this movie was no different. This scenario is used so much in movies I decided to see if I could find any correlation between film and reality.
There have been numerous studies done about a connection with violent crime and weather with the first initiated in the 1960’s. Opinions vary about the validity of the data but here are some of the findings…
A direct connection between temperature and violent crime was noted. Violent crimes are highest in summer and lowest in winter. Assault related 911 calls rise with the temperature but only up to a point. After temps reach 98 to 100 degrees the rate decreases significantly. A higher number of violent crimes occur on days with high winds and on dry days. Fewer violent crimes occur on cold days or when it rains.
Does it mean anything? I don’t know….but in relation to films…you always know when it’s coming.
Mind's Eye 