How to Write Heat: Quick Tips for Writers
Heat can have many connotations in your stories beyond just temperature. It can be a sensation, an event, or even a metaphor for something else. The way a character internalises or experiences heat will also be unique to them, so here are some quick tips on how to use imagery to convey heat in a variety of ways.
In Nature
- Use colours like red, yellow, or orange
- Parched scenery, like cracked earth and dry leaves
- Bright sunlight
- Mirages
- Blistering winds
- Heat waves radiating from hot asphalt
- Animals huddling in the shade
- Wide and barren landscapes
- Hot sand to contrast with cool water
- Wilting vegetation and a change in colour
- The sound of cicadas
Foods and Objects
- Hot peppers with bright colours
- Spicy dishes (and how characters handle them)
- Melting ice cream and frozen drinks
- The sizzling sound of food in a hot pan
- The smell of a barbeque
- Cold drinks that provide relief
- Flip flops, shorts, and tank tops
- Sunscreen and hats
- Metal and leather that is too hot to touch
- Salt or minerals left on surfaces after liquid evaporates
- Faded colours on objects left in the sun
- Peeling paint
- The hiss of steam from a kettle
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Character Moods
- Short-tempered
- Lazy
- Discomfort
- Easily frustrated
- Disinterested
- Relaxed
- Energised
- Joyful
- Exhausted
- Adventurous
- Anxious
- Fearful
- Irritable
- Lethargic
- Contemplative
- Restless
- Overwhelmed
- Rejuvenated
- Impatient
- Distracted
- Apprehensive
- Isolated
- Embarrassed
- Motivated
Character Body Language
- Wiping sweat from their faces
- Fanning themselves
- Shifting uncomfortable
- Sluggish movements
- Licking lips and swallowing due to dehydration
- Shedding layers of clothing
- Unconsciously moving toward the shade
- Constantly drinking
- Breathing heavily
- Squinting or shielding eyes
- Flushed skin
- Panting or shallow breathing
- Avoiding physical contact
Actions and Events
- Seeking shelter during a heatwave
- Roadtrips in a hot car with the windows open
- Swimming at a pool, lake, or a beach
- Sharing drinks with friends at a cafe, bar, or beer garden
- Planning holidays to cooler climates
- Staying indoors to read to watch TV where it’s cool
- Watching the sunset or sunrise when it’s cooler
- Going out at night to avoid the heat of the day
- Beach parties and barbeques
- Wildfire warnings
- Outdoor markets and garage sales
- Camping trips
Positive Aspects
Heat can be a time of joy, where families and friends can enjoy time together doing outdoor activities not available to them the rest of the year. Food becomes lighter, the days are longer, and people tend to get more exercise. There are also positive ways to describe the juxtaposition of something hot after immediately experiencing the cold, like a hot drink on a cold day.
Negative Aspects
Not every association with heat is positive. Hot weather brings environmental damage like droughts and wildfires that affect agriculture and wildlife. It can also lead to physical discomfort, like heat rash, dehydration, sunburn, sleep disruption, or being forced to work or exercise in uncomfortable environments.
Helpful Synonyms
- Scorching
- Blistering
- Temperate
- Boiling
- Fiery
- Burning
- Inferno
- Glowing
- Simmering
- Sweltering
- Torrid
- Steaming
- Tropical
- Flaming
- Feverish
- Stifling
- Roasting
- Searing
- Tropical
- Radiant
Common metaphors
- Passion or desire
- Anger and conflict
- Pressure or stress
- Excitement and energy
- Change or transformation
- Danger or warning
- Life and vitality