Heat Wave Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：prolonged hot weather (Heat Wave)

Heat Wave 🔊

/hiːt weɪv/

A period of unusually hot weather that lasts for several days.

Heat wave scene with people seeking shade under trees in a sunny park

prolonged hot weather 🔊

➕

/prəˈlɒŋd hɒt ˈwɛðər/

A period of unusually hot weather that lasts for several days, often causing discomfort and health risks.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Heat (hot temperature) + Wave (surge) = sustained period of hot weather.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a giant red wave of scorching air sweeping over your city.

📖 Example

During the heat wave, my family and I spent afternoons at the library to enjoy the cool air conditioning. 🔊 During the heat wave, my family and I spent afternoons at the library to enjoy the cool air conditioning.

🔗 Collocations

intense heat wave – A very severe and extreme heat wave.

record-breaking heat wave – A heat wave that surpasses all previous temperature records.

heat wave warning – An official alert issued when a heat wave is forecasted.

🔄 Synonyms

hot spell (n.) – A short period of unusually hot weather.

heat dome (n.) – A weather pattern where high pressure traps heat over an area.

scorcher (n.) – An extremely hot day, often used informally.

🚫 Antonyms

cold snap (n.) – A brief period of unusually cold weather.

cold spell (n.) – A period of cold weather.

cold wave (n.) – A rapid drop in temperature over a wide area.

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'heat wave' first appeared in the late 19th century in meteorology to describe prolonged extreme heat. It became widely used in climate discussions and warnings.