Relationship of Acute Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke with Weather and its Parameters.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. While traditional risk factors are well-established, the role of meteorological parameters like temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed remains unclear. This study investigates the relationship between acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with weather in the Kashmir Valley, known for its extreme winters. A 25-month prospective study (January 2020–January 2022) included 1,144 stroke patients admitted to a tertiary care center. Strokes were classified as ischemic or hemorrhagic based on CT imaging. Meteorological data for stroke onset days were retrieved from the Indian Meteorological Department. Associations between weather variables and stroke subtypes were analyzed using multivariate regression models. Results : Of 1,144 patients, 52.9% (605) had ICH, and 47.2% (540) had AIS. Stroke incidence peaked in winter, especially in January. Higher atmospheric pressure and wind speed were associated with increased ICH risk but reduced AIS risk. Temperature and humidity had no significant effect on either subtype. Hypertension was the leading cause of ICH, with the putamen most affected. Cardio-embolic strokes were the predominant AIS subtype, showing seasonal variation. Conclusion : Meteorological factors, particularly atmospheric pressure and wind speed, influence stroke risks differently for AIS and ICH. Extreme weather conditions may increase stroke risk, especially for hemorrhagic strokes. Public health strategies, such as advising at-risk individuals to limit exposure to harsh winters, could reduce stroke incidence in regions with extreme climates.