Summer heatwaves are not just a sign that something is wrong with the planet – they may also contribute to marriage breakdowns, according to UK platform Divorce-Online.
The online service says that it has reported a ‘noticeable increase’ in divorce enquiries during periods of extreme heat, suggesting that summer heatwaves may play a factor in pushing some relationships past the breaking point.
‘Emotional overheating’
“We often associate summer with relaxation and family time, but for many couples, it’s a season of emotional overheating,” commented Mark Keenan, founder of Divorce-Online. “We’ve observed a clear pattern in recent years: when the temperature rises, so do divorce enquiries. Couples are more irritable, patience wears thin, and underlying issues are brought to the surface.”
Previous research supports its claims – a 2022 study featured in the Journal of Behavioural Economics found that prolonged periods with temperatures above 30°C led to a 14% rise in domestic disputes.
Elsewhere, recent data from the University of Washington indicates that summer is the second-most common season for divorce filings, second only to the post-Christmas period – the most common period in which marriages fall apart.
A perfect storm
Behavioural psychologists note that heat can be a physiological stressor that diminishes emotional regulation, and when combined with school holidays, disrupted daily routines and financial strain, this can be a ‘perfect storm’ for some relationships.
“Add in the pressure to enjoy summer as a ‘happy family’, and some couples start to re-evaluate their relationship altogether,” Keenan said. “We’re seeing clients say they’ve ‘had enough’ during or just after heatwaves — the weather can act as a final tipping point.”
He added that divorce is a “significant emotional decision”, and not one to make “in the heat of the moment”. Read more here.
Read more: Four US cities launch programmes to protect residents from extreme heat
