Thermal low is a meteorological term used to refer to a low-pressure area caused by the heating of the earth's surface. This phenomenon usually occurs in areas experiencing high temperatures, particularly during the summer season. Other terms for thermal low include heat low, thermal trough, and thermal low-pressure system. A heat low is a similar phenomenon, occurring in areas characterized by hot and dry weather conditions. Meanwhile, a thermal trough is a localized area of low pressure caused by strong heating that typically leads to thunderstorms and other intense weather events. Ultimately, these terms are all used to describe the same basic phenomenon, which is the formation of a low-pressure system due to the effects of heating on the Earth's atmosphere.