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

The heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.

From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 2025

This past week, the heat index reached 115 degrees in some places, even though the actual temperature was lower.

From Slate ● Jun. 25, 2025

Running competition began at noon but was halted 90 minutes later while monitoring the heat index to make sure it was safe to resume.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 10, 2025