![From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in all areas, including areas with hot and humid weather, according to the World Health Organization. [World Health Organization]](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d502874/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1064x560+0+0/resize/840x442!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F3%2F19%2Foutside%20temperature%20and%20coronavirus%20new.JPG)
What are your questions about the coronavirus?
ideastream is answering as many questions as possible, with help from local experts in a range of fields. You can send us your questions with our online form, through our social media pages and group or call us at 216-916-6476. We'll keep the answers coming on our website and on the air.
Jim from Vermilion asked: “Does outside temperature affect the virus?”
University Hospitals infectious disease specialist Dr. Keith Armitage said hotter outside temperatures could impact how long a virus — including potentially coronavirus — can live on a surface.
But even though heat can shorten a virus’ lifespan on a surface, warmer temperatures probably won’t reduce the spread.
“If someone is coughing, they have coronavirus, and you’re near them, I think the temperature’s not going to have a big impact,” said Armitage.
The World Health Organization says evidence so far suggests coronavirus can spread in all climates, including hot and humid weather. WHO says COVID-19 is also unaffected by cold and snow.