THE TIME FACTOR IN MORTALITY - WEATHER ASSOCIATIONS IN A SUBTROPICAL ENVIRONMENT

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