Researchers analyzed national surveillance data from England between 2014 and 2022. They looked at how daily weather, including temperature, hours of sunshine, and rainfall, related to unscheduled mental health contacts like emergency department visits and out-of-hours GP services.
The study found modest but consistent links between weather and healthcare demand. Specifically, there was an increase in mental health service use on days with fewer hours of sunshine and during warmer temperatures up to 18 degrees Celsius. Rainfall did not show a consistent link to these services.
For adults over age 64, the relationship with temperature was shaped like a U-curve. This means these patients used emergency departments more often during both very cold and very warm conditions. These findings are based on observational data, which shows links rather than direct causes. They may help health planners prepare for mental health service needs as climate conditions change.
