heat index

American  

[heet in-deks] / ˈhit ˌɪn dɛks /

noun

Meteorology.

1. a formulaically calculated approximation of how hot it feels given the temperature of the air combined with the relative humidity, based on the fact that an actual temperature will feel warmer as the relative humidity rises and causes a decrease in the natural evaporative cooling from perspiration. HI, H.I.

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heat index Scientific  

1. A measurement of the air temperature in relation to the relative humidity, used as an indicator of discomfort. The heat index is higher when high air temperatures occur with high humidity, and lower when they occur with low humidity. The heat index is based on studies of skin cooling caused by the evaporation of sweat.

2. Also called apparent temperature

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Etymology

Origin of heat index

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

heat index

The stadium has no air conditioning and the heat index at kickoff was expected to hit 100F.

From Barron's ● Jul. 3, 2026

Forecasters say high humidity levels will make conditions feel even more oppressive, with heat index values set to reach 115F in the coming days.

From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026

A heat index of 90 degrees would require mandatory rest breaks of 15 minutes every two hours and other heightened measures.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2025

Through Monday’s games, the median heat index was 87 degrees.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 2025

It’s obviously helpful to know the heat index, but the number on its own doesn’t provide insight into the breakdown of heat versus humidity.

From Slate ● Jun. 25, 2025