Heat impacting people in Mid-Missouri

With oppressive heat in Mid-Missouri this week, experts said the high temperatures can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion, and a shorter temper.

There is some science behind the heat causing people to become more irritable.

“I know in summertime, our crime does go up. As far as assaults, or disturbances, and things like that,” said Lt. Gary Hill with the Cole Co. Sheriff’s Dept.

Experts said its usually not the heat that sets people off, but high temperatures add significantly to their stress and aggravation.

“What the heat does is build up the tension, the discomfort so that when something, often minor, happens, ‘boom!’ that’s when you get the acting out. That’s when you get the road rage. That’s when you get the people who draw their weapon and shoot,” said Wayne Anderson, MU Professor Emeritus of Psychology.

But, what happens when the heat affects law enforcement officers, men and women who have a greater responsibility to keep calm under pressure.

“Sometimes tempers flare, but we are trained to be able to de-escalate situations, especially when we’re hot and we can tell that the other people are irritated,” said Hill.

Part of that training is good advice for everyone; stay hydrated and try to keep cool.