humidex: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Meteorological / Canadian English
Quick answer
What does “humidex” mean?
A Canadian-originated combined measure of temperature and humidity used to describe how hot the weather feels.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Canadian-originated combined measure of temperature and humidity used to describe how hot the weather feels.
A compound index (humidity + index) representing the perceived temperature (how hot it feels) by factoring in the cooling effect of evaporation (or lack thereof) due to relative humidity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is rarely used in the UK, where 'heat index' or 'feels-like temperature' is more common. In the US, 'heat index' is the standard term; 'humidex' is recognized but considered a Canadianism.
Connotations
In Canada, it's a standard, neutral meteorological term. In the UK/US, it may sound like technical jargon or a distinctly Canadian concept.
Frequency
High frequency in Canadian English, especially in summer media. Very low to zero in British and American general usage.
Grammar
How to Use “humidex” in a Sentence
The humidex is [value]A humidex of [number]With a humidex reaching [number]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except potentially for tourism or outdoor event planning in Canada.
Academic
Used in climatology, environmental science, and human biometeorology papers, especially those involving Canada.
Everyday
Common in everyday Canadian weather conversations and forecasts during hot, humid spells.
Technical
Standard in Canadian meteorology; a defined formula combining dew point and air temperature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “humidex”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “humidex”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “humidex”
- Using 'humidex' to refer to humidity alone.
- Using 'humidex' in non-Canadian contexts where 'heat index' is expected.
- Pronouncing it as /hjuːˈmaɪdɛks/ (incorrect stress).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are similar concepts but use different formulas. The humidex is primarily used in Canada, while the heat index is standard in the USA.
It would be understood by some, but 'feels-like temperature' or 'heat index' are more common and expected terms in British English.
A humidex of 40 suggests a high level of discomfort; it feels as hot as a dry day with a temperature of 40°C. Health warnings are often issued at this level.
It is almost exclusively used as a noun (e.g., 'The humidex is high'). It is not standard to use it as an adjective (e.g., 'a humidex day').
A Canadian-originated combined measure of temperature and humidity used to describe how hot the weather feels.
Humidex is usually technical / meteorological / canadian english in register.
Humidex: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhjuːmɪdɛks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhjuːmɪdɛks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HUMIDity + indEX = HUMIDEX. Think of a humid, hot day where you feel exhausted ('ex'-hausted).
Conceptual Metaphor
HEAT IS AN AGGRESSOR ("The humidex is attacking us today"). DISCOMFORT IS A MEASURABLE QUANTITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which country is the term 'humidex' most commonly used in everyday language?