Meteorological determinants of suicide rates: evidence from population-based data

Abstract Background Suicide is a serious and growing public health issue with a complex, multifactorial etiology involving psychological, social, and environmental determinants. Increasing evidence suggests that meteorological and climatic factors may influence the risk of suicidal behavior, supporting their inclusion in prevention and intervention research. This study aimed to examine the relationship between weather variables and suicide frequency in selected Polish cities. Methods Data from 2019 on suicides in Katowice, Łódź, Gdańsk, and Białystok were analyzed in relation to daily meteorological data from local stations of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, covering all 365 days of the year. Variables included air temperature (minimum, maximum, average), precipitation and its type, sunshine duration, wind speed and gusts, cloud cover, air pressure, and atmospheric phenomena such as snow, sleet, hail, thunderstorms, fog, and haze. Associations were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation (p < 0.05). Results Weak but statistically significant correlations were found between selected meteorological parameters and suicide frequency, varying by city, sex, and age group. Conclusions These findings suggest that weather conditions may contribute to suicide risk. Incorporating meteorological factors into suicide-prevention strategies could enhance early intervention efforts, particularly in the context of ongoing climate change.