Associations between meteorological factors and COVID-19: a global scoping review

Jesse Limaheluw*, Sophia Dollmann, Sofia Folpmers, Lola Beltrán Beut, Afroditi Lazarakou, Lucie C. Vermeulen, Ana Maria de Roda Husman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Many respiratory viruses and their associated diseases are sensitive to meteorological factors. For SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, evidence on this sensitivity is inconsistent. Understanding the influence of meteorological factors on SARS-CoV-2 transmission and COVID-19 epidemiology can help to improve pandemic preparedness. Objectives: This review aimed to examine the recent evidence about the relation between meteorological factors and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a global scoping review of peer-reviewed studies published from January 2020 up to January 2023 about the associations between temperature, solar radiation, precipitation, humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. Results: From 9,156 initial records, we included 474 relevant studies. Experimental studies on SARS-CoV-2 provided consistent evidence that higher temperatures and solar radiation negatively affect virus viability. Studies on COVID-19 (epidemiology) were mostly observational and provided less consistent evidence. Several studies considered interactions between meteorological factors or other variables such as demographics or air pollution. None of the publications included all determinants holistically. Discussion: The association between short-term meteorological factors and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 dynamics is complex. Interactions between environmental and social components need further consideration. A more integrated research approach can provide valuable insights to predict the dynamics of respiratory viruses with pandemic potential.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1183706
Number of pages12
JournalFrontiers in Public Health
Volume12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Jul 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2024 Limaheluw, Dollmann, Folpmers, Beltrán Beut, Lazarakou, Vermeulen and de Roda Husman.

Funding

This study was funded by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport through the COVID-19 program (project number: V/190027/22/OM).

FundersFunder number
Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en SportV/190027/22/OM

    Keywords

    • airborne viruses
    • climate
    • pandemic preparedness
    • respiratory diseases
    • SARS-CoV-2
    • weather

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