heat wave

Or heat·wave

[heet weyv]

noun

Meteorology, Climatology.

1. a period of abnormally hot and usually humid weather; heat event.

   I moved to the coast up north because summer back home has become one long, unbearable heat wave.

2. an air mass of high temperature covering an extended area and moving relatively slowly.

   Another heat wave is expected to form across the South and into the Northeast by week’s end.

heat wave

noun

1. a continuous spell of abnormally hot weather

2. (not in technical use) an extensive slow-moving air mass at a relatively high temperature

Word History and Origins

Origin of heat wave¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Farmers are already grappling with longer dry spells, heat waves, and erratic weather patterns.

From Salon

With climate change ushering in stronger and longer heat waves, a growing body of evidence suggests that excessive heat has become a public health crisis.

From Los Angeles Times

Angelenos may breathe a sigh of relief as the mercury dips after late summer heat waves.

From Los Angeles Times

Angelenos may breathe a sigh of relief as the mercury dips after successive late summer heat waves.

From Los Angeles Times

That comes as climate change ratchets up the frequency and intensity of heat waves.

From Los Angeles Times

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