BusinessAugust 9, 2026

heatflation

HEET-flay-shun

Definition

A form of inflation specifically driven by the negative economic impact of prolonged extreme high temperatures on agricultural production, food supply, and consumer prices.

Etymology

This is a portmanteau of the words 'heat' and 'inflation,' created in recent years to describe the specific phenomenon where climate-related weather events disrupt supply chains and increase costs for consumers.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe how an unprecedented heat wave in South Korea is causing food prices to surge, potentially pushing overall national inflation above 3%.

Spinach Soars 152%, Cucumbers 55% as Heatflation Hits South Korea; August Inflation Could Rebound Above 3%

Read the full article ↗

finance.biggo.com

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