This study estimates the relationship between air temperature, specific humidity, ultraviolet radiation, and SARS-CoV-2 transmission in 2669 U.S. counties from March 15 to December 31, 2020. Lower air temperature (20–40 °C), lower specific humidity, and lower ultraviolet radiation were significantly associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 reproduction number (Rt). Meteorological factors contributed to approximately 17.5% of Rt, with humidity playing the largest role. These findings suggest that cold, dry weather and low UV radiation are moderately associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Jun 14, 2021
Authors
Yiqun Ma, Sen Pei, Jeffrey Shaman, Robert Dubrow, Kai Chen
Tags
SARS-CoV-2
transmission
meteorological factors
air temperature
specific humidity
ultraviolet radiation
reproduction number
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