Great Heat Arrives in Full Glory: Peak Summer Heat Unleashed​

Meteorological Shifts: Heat Reaches Its Zenith

The Great Heat solar term marks the apex of summer’s intensity—blistering sunshine drives relentless high temperatures, with daily highs consistently exceeding 35°C across many regions. Northern areas endure a "dry roasting" effect, while southern China faces oppressive humidity. Sudden, intense convective thunderstorms often erupt in the afternoons, offering fleeting relief only to amplify the mugginess afterward.

Climate Phenomena: Triple Challenge of Heat, Humidity, and Storms

Ⅰ. Relentless Heat Dominance

Great Heat coincides with the core period of the hottest phase (Sanfu), experiencing the year's most extreme temperatures. Intense solar radiation causes significant ground heat accumulation, making the air feel ablaze.

Ⅱ. "Sauna Weather" vs. "Midsummer Drought"

Southern China grapples with sweltering "sauna weather"—characterized by simultaneous high heat and high humidity, creating a "steaming and simmering" sensation where feels-like temperatures soar far above actual readings. Conversely, areas like the Jianghuai, Huanghuai, and parts of the North, under the firm grip of the subtropical high, face potential prolonged heatwaves with scant rainfall ("midsummer drought"), exacerbating aridity and threatening water supplies.

Ⅲ. Tropical Storm Season Intensifies

This period marks the peak for typhoon formation in the Northwest Pacific and South China Sea. Increased tropical cyclone activity brings risks of torrential rain, gales, and storm surges to southeastern coasts. Even inland regions experience short-lived but fierce thunderstorms triggered by peripheral typhoon systems or thermal convection—though briefly cooling, these downpours further elevate humidity, intensifying the stifling heat.

Agricultural Activities: Racing Against the Sun

Farming during Great Heat focuses on heat mitigation, moisture retention, and pest/disease prevention:

1. Rice Cultivation Priorities: Southern regions rush to harvest early rice; double-cropping areas intensify irrigation for middle rice’s critical panicle development. Northern paddy fields enter the pivotal grain-filling stage.

2. Orchard Protection: Citrus fruits are bagged to prevent sunscald. Grapevines utilize reflective mulch for better coloring. Peach and pear orchards undergo timely pruning for enhanced airflow.

3. Vegetable Production: Shade nets shield leafy greens; watering is done at dawn/dusk to cool soil temperatures. Tomatoes and peppers require vigilant control against bacterial wilt and viral diseases.