heat wave
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heat wave
A longer period of unusually high temperatures that are significantly above the average for the season.
Während der Hitzewelle im Juli suchten viele Menschen Abkühlung in den Seen und Schwimmbädern.
During the heat wave in July, many people sought ways to cool off in lakes and swimming pools.
The word is made up of 'die Hitze' (heat) and 'die Welle' (wave). So it literally describes a 'wave of heat' rolling over a region.
Meteorologen warnen vor einer bevorstehenden Hitzewelle.
Meteorologists are warning of an upcoming heat wave.
It is often described that people or nature 'unter einer Hitzewelle leiden' (suffer under a heat wave) or 'ächzen' (groan/suffer). People also speak of an 'extreme' or 'long-lasting' heat wave.
Die Landwirtschaft leidet besonders unter der langen Hitzewelle.
Agriculture is suffering especially from the long heat wave.
This word is used almost exclusively in the context of weather reports, news, and discussions about climate change.
Im Radio wurde vor der Hitzewelle und der damit verbundenen Ozonbelastung gewarnt.
On the radio, they warned about the heat wave and the associated ozone pollution.
heat
'die Hitze' and 'die Hitzewelle' both have to do with very high temperatures. 'Hitze' generally describes that it is very warm or hot, for example on a day, in a room, or by a fire. 'Hitzewelle' means a longer period of unusually high temperatures. The words can be confused because during a heat wave, you naturally also feel heat. If you only mean the condition, say 'Hitze'. If it stays unusually hot for several days or weeks, 'Hitzewelle' fits better.
Die Hitzewelle dauert schon seit Montag, deshalb gießt Maria jeden Abend die Pflanzen.
The heat wave has been going on since Monday, so Maria waters the plants every evening.
Wegen der Hitze bleiben die Kinder am Nachmittag im Haus.
Because of the heat, the children stay indoors in the afternoon.