Weather effects on academic performance: An analysis using administrative data

A growing number of studies have examined the impact of temperature and weather extremes on a range of economic outcomes. In this paper we contribute to the evolving literature on the relationship between temperature and educational outcomes given the crucial role of human capital development on economic growth. Specifically, we use national level administrative data on nearly 1 million Australian students to study if their test scores are affected by temperature variations. Overall, our analysis on national data shows a significant negative effect of heat and cold on students' test scores. The effects get exacerbated with heatwaves. The large geographical size and climate variability across Australia also allows us to study spatial heterogeneity in the effects of temperature on student performance. According to our findings, students become resilient to climatic conditions in the region they live, consistent with the adaptation hypothesis. Those living in regions with hot dry or high humid summer are not affected by extreme heat and those living in cool winter or cool temperate weather conditions are not impacted by cold temperatures.