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The highest point or maximum intensity of a period of hot weather.
Este año, el pico de calor en Madrid superó los 40 grados.
This year, the heat peak in Madrid exceeded 40 degrees.
Durante el pico de calor, es importante hidratarse bien.
During the heat peak, it's important to stay well hydrated.
Commonly used in weather forecasts and casual conversation to describe extreme temperatures.
In English, 'pico de calor' is best translated as 'heat peak' or 'peak heat'. Avoid word-for-word translation like 'peak of heat', which is grammatically correct but unnatural in English.
Use 'pico de calor' only for weather-related contexts. It does not apply to other types of peaks (e.g., 'peak performance' is 'pico de rendimiento').
The phrase combines 'pico' (peak, summit) and 'calor' (heat), with 'de' as a linking preposition. 'Pico' derives from Latin 'picus' (woodpecker), metaphorically extended to mean 'peak' or 'highest point'. 'Calor' comes from Latin 'calor' (heat). The phrase is a direct calque from Spanish meteorological terminology.
Used in Spain and Latin American Spanish-speaking regions. Avoid literal translation as 'peak of heat' in English, which sounds unnatural; 'heat peak' is the standard equivalent.