heat island

[ heet ahy-luhnd ]

noun

1. an urban area having a higher average temperature than its rural surroundings owing to the greater absorption, retention, and generation of heat by its buildings, pavements, and human activities.

heat-island

noun

1. meteorol the mass of air over a large city, characteristically having a slightly higher average temperature than that of the surrounding air

Word History and Origins

Origin of heat island¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Planting more trees and green space can lower the urban heat island effect by several degrees.

From Vox

Satellites can image heat islands from space, recording how their temperatures rise and fall.

From Science News For Students

At the same time, residents of urban heat islands are less likely to have air conditioning.

From Washington Post

When I spoke to him last year for a story about heat islands in Phoenix, Hondula explained that low-income people of color are more likely to live in neighborhoods with little vegetation that are next to highways and industrial areas.

From Washington Post

Creating more parks and planting vegetation in public spaces, especially in heat island neighborhoods, helps to bring temperatures down, Hondula said.

From Washington Post