heat wave

plural heat waves · alternative heatwave

1. idiomaticA period of exceptionally hot weather.

   We're havin a heat wave / A tropical heat wave / The temperatures rising, it isn't surprising / She certainly can, can can! / She started a heat wave / By letting her seat wave, / in such a way that the customers say / that she certainly can, can-can!

   1933, Irving Berlin, “Heat Wave”, in As Thousands Cheer

   Antonyms: cold spell, cold wave

   1. USidiomaticbroadcastingThree consecutive days with daytime high temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

      Antonyms: cold spell, cold wave

   2. UKidiomaticbroadcastingA period of at least three consecutive days with daily high temperatures of the respective county's temperature threshold or higher.

      Antonyms: cold spell, cold wave

2. An electromagnetic wave in the infrared spectrum.