In literature, authors often treat heat waves not just as physical phenomena but as vibrant, almost painterly touches of color that transform a scene’s atmosphere. For instance, in one work the “curling, dancing heat waves” arise against a bold blue sky, their movement creating an interplay of delicate hues that contrast with the stark background [1]. Elsewhere, heat waves are likened to “a sea of fire,” evoking vivid images of intense reds and oranges that saturate the landscape with burning warmth [2]. In another evocative passage, the heat waves are set beside the “cool blue” of a cove, emphasizing a striking visual tension between warmth and coolness [3]. Similarly, shimmering heat waves over reddish desert sand imbue the environment with an almost surreal, painted quality that highlights both light and color [4]. These literary depictions show how heat waves function as a dynamic color motif, transforming ordinary vistas into canvases of luminous, transient brilliance.