Why extreme heat makes people angrier and how our brain reacts to heatwaves

Extreme heat appears to crank up our stress levels, leading to heightened irritability, anxiety, and even aggression. Research reveals that high temperatures disrupt normal brain function, particularly in areas responsible for regulating emotions. This means that as global temperatures rise due to climate change, we could see a rise in not just physical health issues but also mental health concerns. Understanding these effects is crucial for preparing societies to manage the psychological toll of increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves.