Paris in the Scorching Heat – High Temperatures of "41-42°C"

Text and images by Chen Chi-Hsiang. Today, July 24th, the sky is clear with not a single cloud. The treetops outside are silent, with no breeze at all; the sun appears exceptionally large and fierce, as if looming over a volcano. These past few days, heat waves have struck France. From yesterday’s 37-38°C, Paris continued to rise in temperature, with the meteorological bureau forecasting it will surpass 40°C tomorrow.

Unexpectedly, at 5:30 PM now, it is incredibly bright outside, blinding to the eyes. It seems the sun is passionately singing, shouting, and burning. (Looking at the thermometer outside) the temperature has broken Paris’s record high for nearly fifty years, reaching "41-42°C." Even with both inner and outer windows closed, the indoor temperature remains 37°C. I crouch at home, wearing shorts and shirtless, painting to escape the heat. Although focused and patient, sweat continuously pours from my back. Like a hero, I tie an ice pack to my head and continue to fight on. I also try wearing a hat, pausing intermittently while painting. Although a calm mind brings natural coolness, (and there is no electric fan at home) fanning myself with the straw fan brought back from Taiwan seems to restore a bit of relief.

The weather forecast for tomorrow, July 25th afternoon, is 42°C (the actual temperature that day was 42.4°C—almost roasted, hard to imagine). Cherish this test or experience of the temperature; everything witnesses existence amidst disillusionment. Paris’s scorching heat lasts only a few brief days, like smoke passing by. Feeling the intense heat is also a gift from heaven, allowing one to better cherish and be grateful for the comfort of ordinary temperatures.