The time factor in mortality: weather associations in a subtropical environment

Abstract

Mortality rates for a decade in Brisbane are analysed for dependence upon atmospheric factors. Time filters are applied to both the dependent and independent variables, and several models are developed to enable prediction, especially for weekly intervals. Statistically, deaths are observed to increase with colder and less humid weather with winds from a westerly, direction. Overall, taking account of both synoptic and seasonal influences, > 90% of cumulative deviations from mean death rates are explained. Some differences are also noted in the association of death with the weather between sexes, age groups and causes of death.