Definition

1. Noun:
   • A period of unusually hot weather: A "heat wave" is a prolonged period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot weather, often lasting for several days or weeks.

Usage

• The term "heat wave" is used to describe a specific meteorological event characterized by high temperatures that are significantly above the average for a particular region and time of year.
• It is typically used in weather forecasts, news reports, and general conversation about climate and health.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The city issued health warnings during the intense heat wave.
  • Crops were damaged by the prolonged heat wave last summer.
  • Scientists are studying whether climate change is making heat waves more frequent.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in/under a heat wave": to be experiencing a period of unusually hot weather.
  • Southern Europe is currently under a severe heat wave.
• "a record-breaking heat wave": a heat wave where temperatures exceed all previous recorded highs for a location.
  • The record-breaking heat wave led to a spike in energy consumption.

Variants and Related Words

• Heatwave (noun): An alternative, often single-word spelling of "heat wave".
  • The long heatwave has caused water shortages.

Synonyms

• Hot spell: A brief period of hot weather.
• Scorcher (informal): An extremely hot day.

Related Phrases

• Heat advisory: An official warning issued about dangerous heat conditions.
  • A heat advisory is in effect until Friday evening.
• Heat-related illness: Medical conditions caused by exposure to high temperatures, such as heat stroke.
  • Hospitals reported an increase in heat-related illnesses.

Noun

1. a wave of unusually hot weather