heat wave

USAGE SUMMARY

"heat wave" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a period of time with unusually high temperatures. Example sentence: "This summer has been especially hot due to a heat wave that occurred in July."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The heat wave persisted.

The New Yorker

WEATHER Heat wave?

The New York Times

Heat wave is gone.

The New York Times

heat wave last week.

The New Yorker

The heat wave in July.

The New York Times

HEAT WAVE, by Richard Castle.

The New York Times

and heat wave.

The New York Times

A heat wave.

The New Yorker

We're having a heat wave".

The New York Times - Sports

"Heat wave," Coughlin said jokingly.

The New York Times - Sports

"Heat Wave" becomes "Hot Flash".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the impact of a "heat wave", consider specifying the geographic region and time frame for clarity.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse the "heat wave" with the heat index. A "heat wave" is a period of unusually hot weather, while the heat index measures what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heat wave" functions primarily as a noun, often used to describe a specific weather phenomenon characterized by prolonged periods of unusually hot weather. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in describing weather events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heat wave" is a common and readily understood term for a period of unusually hot weather. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, most frequently in news and media. While precise definitions may vary, the core concept is consistently understood. When writing about "heat waves", consider specifying the location and timeframe for clarity. Be careful to not confuse "heat wave" with heat index. Several alternative phrases, such as "hot spell" and "scorching weather", can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hot spell

Refers to a short period of hot weather.

scorching weather

Emphasizes the intensity of the heat.

extreme heat event

A more formal and scientific term for a heat wave.

prolonged heat

Highlights the duration of the heat.

sweltering conditions

Describes the uncomfortable and oppressive nature of the heat.

intense heat

Focuses on the high degree of temperature.

heat dome

Describes the meteorological phenomenon causing the heat.

record heat

Refers to temperatures that are the highest ever recorded.

summer heat

A more general way to refer to summer heat, without necessarily implying extreme conditions.

baking heat

Suggests an extreme, oven-like heat.

FAQs

How is a "heat wave" defined?

A "heat wave" is generally defined as a period of abnormally hot weather, typically lasting several days. The exact definition can vary by location and may involve exceeding specific temperature thresholds for a set number of days.

What are some synonyms for "heat wave"?

You can use alternatives like "hot spell", "scorching weather", or "extreme heat event" depending on the context.

What causes a "heat wave"?

Heat waves are often caused by high-pressure systems that remain stationary over an area for an extended period, trapping warm air and preventing cooler air from moving in.

How does climate change affect "heat wave" frequency and intensity?

Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves globally. As average temperatures rise, extreme heat events become more common and more severe.