Minor Heat

Today is the first day of Xiaoshu, also known as Minor Heat, the 11th solar term of the 24 solar terms of the traditional Chinese calendar which begins around July 7 every year. Minor Heat means the weather is getting hot, though it's not yet at its hottest point. 

At this time, crops grow well and need to be carefully managed. After the Minor Heat, the rainy season in southern China ends, and precipitation in the north increases significantly, with more rainy days. So regions in South China are fighting against a drought, while the northern regions should prevent flooding. At this time, thunderstorms, tropical storms or typhoons bring precipitation, although very favorable to crops such as rice, but sometimes can be harmful to cotton, soybeans and other dry crops and vegetables.