expression, noun
intense heat; severe heat
Describes extremely hot weather that feels harsh or oppressive. Often used in weather reports or daily conversation about summer conditions.
今日は厳しい暑さで、外に出るのがつらい。
Today's intense heat makes it hard to go outside.
この夏は記録的な厳しい暑さが続いている。
This summer, record-breaking severe heat continues.
猛暑 is a more formal or meteorological term for 'extreme heat', often used in weather forecasts. 厳しい暑さ is a descriptive phrase that emphasizes the harshness of the heat.
酷暑 also means 'intense heat' but is slightly more literary or formal. 厳しい暑さ is more conversational and directly expresses the severity.
Phrase composed of 厳しい (strict, severe) and 暑さ (heat, from 暑い 'hot'). The combination literally means 'severe heat' and is a straightforward descriptive expression.