heat index

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heat index" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a measure that combines air temperature and humidity to indicate how hot it feels to the human body. Example: "The heat index today is expected to reach dangerous levels, making it crucial to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They said the heat index was 116".

The New York Times - Science

Translation: 103 degrees on the heat index.

The New York Times

The heat index will peak at 105.

The Washington Post

A heat index of 126 or higher is extremely dangerous.

The New York Times

The resulting heat index was then in the 90s.

The Washington Post

Heat index forecast at 2 p.m. Thursday from GFS model.

The Washington Post

The heat index today will be over 100.

The New York Times

The Internet Movie Database operates a heat index.

The New York Times

The heat index was 99 on July 31 at the time Stringer sought a trainer's help.

The New York Times - Sports

By 10 30 A.M., the heat index had already crept above ninety degrees.

The New Yorker

Chili fish ($11) and chili mutton ($13) pushed the heat index up a notch or two.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heat index" to clearly communicate the combined impact of heat and humidity, especially in public health advisories or weather reports.

Common error

Avoid using "heat index" interchangeably with air temperature. The "heat index" reflects how hot it feels, which can be significantly higher than the actual temperature, especially in humid conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heat index" functions primarily as a noun, specifically as a compound noun. It names a calculated value that represents the perceived temperature, combining air temperature and humidity. Ludwig shows that it is frequently used to describe weather conditions and their impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heat index" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe how hot the weather feels to the human body, considering both temperature and humidity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in news, science, and academic contexts. When using "heat index", be sure to specify the units and avoid confusing it with actual air temperature. Alternative terms like "apparent temperature" or "feels like temperature" can be used for similar meanings. In summary, "heat index" is a valuable tool for communicating potential heat-related risks and promoting public safety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apparent temperature

Refers to the temperature the human body feels, considering humidity and air temperature, similar to heat index.

feels like temperature

Describes the perceived temperature by the human body, accounting for factors like humidity and wind.

real feel temperature

A proprietary measure of how temperature feels to a person accounting for multiple weather elements.

humiture

A dated meteorological term blending humidity and temperature to reflect perceived warmth.

temperature humidity index

Expresses thermal comfort by considering humidity in relation to air temperature.

effective temperature

A calculated single temperature value, that indicates the effect of the environment on the human body.

summer discomfort index

Index created to evaluate the level of discomfort during the summer considering different factors.

wet-bulb globe temperature

A measure of the heat stress in direct sunlight, which considers temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover.

perceived temperature

The sensation of warmth or coolness felt by the human body in response to environmental conditions.

outdoor apparent temperature

Specifically indicates what temperature feels like outdoors with combined weather elements.

FAQs

How is the "heat index" calculated?

The "heat index" is calculated using a formula that combines air temperature and relative humidity to estimate the perceived human discomfort level. The formula is complex but many weather apps and websites provide readily available "heat index" readings.

What is a dangerous "heat index"?

A "heat index" above 90°F (32°C) is generally considered dangerous, posing a risk of heat-related illnesses with prolonged exposure and physical activity. An index of 105°F (41°C) or higher is extremely dangerous.

What can I say instead of "heat index"?

You can use alternatives like "apparent temperature" or "feels like temperature" to convey the same meaning.

What is the difference between "heat index" and "dew point"?

The "heat index" represents how hot it feels by factoring in humidity with air temperature. The "dew point", on the other hand, is the temperature to which air must be cooled to become saturated with water vapor; a high "dew point" indicates a high moisture content in the air.