That Wall of Heat

Here in Ohio we are experiencing what the National Weather Service calls “a prolonged period of dangerously hot conditions with heat index values near 100 degrees [Fahrenheit].” I guess that means it’s hot out—or at least it feels hot.

I love hot weather. My friends always look at me funny when they complain on an 82-degree day that it’s “hot out” and I reply that “it’s just getting warm, we haven’t gotten to hot yet.” On the other hand, I am the one complaining when the temperatures fall below 60°F.

Some background: I’ve lived in Ohio my whole life and I’m over the cold winters. If I never see another snowflake in person again that’ll be fine by me. I understand snowbirds now.

For the moment at least, it really is hot and we haven’t much choice but to run the AC to keep it comfortable. The contrast between inside and outside is substantial. And that contrast is key to what comes next.

You know what I’m talking about. That feeling when you open the front door and step outside, crossing the threshold from the dry chilled air into hot humid air. The heat surrounds you instantly. I don’t know how to describe it except that it’s like walking through a wall of heat.

I love that sensation!

It only lasts a moment though. You quickly pass through “the wall” and either acclimate and go on your way or realize that it really is uncomfortably hot while the beads of sweat start to form. But in that moment there’s a bit of joy, like when you pull a heavy blanket over yourself on a cold night. “Aaaaah!”

Looking at the forecast I expect it’ll be a sweat bead kind of day, but I know I’ll get to enjoy that brief moment.