It's the Heat and the Humidity - survey indicates that more people object to humidity than heat in the summer; and that many people work more slowly in hot weather; these and other survey results are discussed - Brief Article

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), August, 1999

The Weather Channel's 19 Heat and Humidity Mood Survey discovered that:

* When people were asked whether heat or humidity is the worst part of the summer, 66% of adults mentioned humidity and 18% heat.

* Forty-three percent indicated that the summer heat or humidity has had a negative effect on their mood and temperament.

* The most frequent expressions used to describe the effects of heat and humidity were: lazy and tired (49%), slow or unproductive (46%), sick or uncomfortable (29%), and irritable or angry (26%). Positive reactions came in at lower levels: happy (21%) and energetic (15%).

* Forty-five percent said they work more slowly and 20% indicated that they don't want to work at all. Just four percent said they work faster.

* The heat and humidity have a lesser effect on romantic feelings, as 61% reported "no change in feelings." A decrease was reported by 16%, while 12% reported an increase.

* When asked to describe how heat and humidity influence their romantic feelings, one out of every three people maintained that it's too hot to feel romantic. However, outright hot weather encourages people to stay inside, which may increase the chances of a romantic encounter. For example, the lightning-induced blackout in 1977 in New York City resulted in a mini baby boom occurring nine months later.