| With meteorologists forecasting a blast of cold weather that will sweep across most of the U.S. this weekend, it's reasonable to feel like the winter will never end. The same goes for the coronavirus outbreak that landed on America's shores less than three seemingly interminable months ago. But as the earth circles the sun, warm weather will inevitably arrive. The question is what effect higher temperatures will have on the new virus, a member of the coronavirus family that is known to have a seasonal component. While most people had probably never heard of a coronavirus until the Covid-19 outbreak, almost everyone has had intimate experience with them. Four or five members of the virus family can cause ailments ranging from the common cold to mild respiratory ailments. But SARS-CoV-2 thus far has seemed nothing like its close relatives. It has killed more than 100,000 people around the world. Whether it also has a seasonal component is still to be seen. The answer will have a lasting influence on how the current outbreak plays out and whether we see it again. Infectious disease experts say the complete lack of protection against a virus that's never been seen before means even if it doesn't spread as efficiently in warm, humid air, infections will continue as the temperature rises. Whether those who recover from their illnesses have lasting immunity, unlike with common coronaviruses, and whether the disease rebounds with cooler weather are still unknown. The answers have implications for how effective any vaccine will prove to be.—Michelle Fay Cortez | 
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