The arrival of autumn cannot be considered as the true arrival of autumn after the beginning of autumn. The division of climate seasons is based on the "average temperature" and when the average temperature for five consecutive days is below 22 degrees, it is considered as the true autumn climate. Generally, there will be a brief period of heat after the beginning of autumn, so there is a saying of "autumn tiger" among the people. So when does the autumn tiger begin?
When does the autumn tiger begin?
The autumn tiger is a colloquial term used by the Chinese people to refer to the short period of hot weather that reappears after the beginning of autumn in the 24 solar terms. It is named "autumn tiger" because the climate becomes hot and oppressive, just like a tiger.
Characteristics of the autumn tiger weather
Due to the vast territory of China, the performance of "autumn tiger" varies in different regions. For example, the autumn tiger in South China arrives later than in the Yangtze River Basin, usually delayed by 2-4 solar terms. The key meaning of the autumn tiger is the reoccurrence of short-term hot weather after the temperature has cooled down. Although the temperature is relatively high during the "autumn tiger" weather, the air is generally dry and there is sufficient sunlight. It is not excessively hot in the morning and evening, so it does not make people feel breathless from the heat.
How does the autumn tiger form?
After the beginning of autumn, the high pressure system in the subtropical region of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River gradually retreats southward, and sometimes it will briefly move northward. During the northward movement, there are consecutive sunny days and intense sunlight, and the temperature keeps rising, causing the reappearance of hot weather. This is why it is named "autumn tiger" as people feel hot and uncomfortable.
How long does the autumn tiger last?
The duration of the autumn tiger varies from half a month to two months each year. Sometimes the autumn tiger comes and goes, and then returns again. In many years, it remains hot after the beginning of autumn and even after the end of heat, which leads to the saying that "the beginning of autumn and the end of heat are still hot". This situation of continuous heat in summer and autumn attracts more attention to the "autumn tiger" and requires more reminders to prevent heatstroke and cool down.
Health precautions for the autumn tiger
Due to the arrival of the autumn tiger, although the hot weather it brings is temporary, many times the highest temperature during the autumn tiger can last above 33 degrees. People often cannot adapt to this sudden change between hot and cold, which easily leads to symptoms such as colds, runny nose, internal heat, and dryness. Therefore, after the beginning of autumn, we should not rush to "fatten up" ourselves. In terms of diet, we can pay attention to eating more foods that reduce internal heat. Autumn dryness is most likely to harm the lungs, so foods that clear and nourish the lungs are also essential.
