Bridgeport police are stepping up patrols across the city following a string of shootings that sent several people to the hospital.

Chief AJ Perez says all of the shootings can be linked to the onset of warm weather. During his 34 years in the Bridgeport Police Department, Perez says he has learned to dread the arrival of spring and summer.

"The weather does have an effect on what happens in the streets," he says.

A violent weekend in the city began Saturday with a shooting at the Green Homes Apartments Complex. A 50-year-old man was critically injured after being shot several times in the stomach following a dispute.

Eight hours later, a 22-year-old victim was shot by a group of men on dirt bikes in the area of Stone Ridge Road.

One hour after that, a 23-year-old victim arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

Perez says the shootings can be tied directly and indirectly to the warmer weather.

"It brings sometimes the very worst in people and it creates havoc throughout the city.  Therefore, you gotta be vigilant and try to stay ahead of it," the chief says.

Officers are stepping up patrols and increasing traffic enforcement.