Today marks the End of Heat (Chushu). The temperature gap between north and south is striking: much of the north is steadily shedding its summer heat under the influence of cold air and rainfall, while the south remains under the grip of the subtropical high, enduring persistent heat and humidity.
In the north, autumn is beginning to show, with a first hint of coolness at dawn and dusk. Next week, as cold air and rain arrive, high temperatures in Harbin, Changchun, Shenyang and other places will drop markedly and the muggy feeling will ease. Having entered the summer-to-autumn transition, the day-night temperature gap widens; the wind at dawn and night already carries a clear chill, and a light blanket is needed for sleep. After the Start of Autumn, autumn has arrived on schedule in the northeast and other regions — in the Greater Khingan Range, morning temperatures fall, market vendors have switched to thick coats, and the autumn mood is thick.
By contrast, the summer heat has not lifted in the south. In Chongqing, Hangzhou, Wuhan and elsewhere, it still feels scorching, with hot, humid weather continuing. The daytime heat, wrapped in moisture, leaves people sticky all over; nighttime cooling is limited and the evening breeze is warm, so air conditioners must run all day. Such hot, muggy weather easily triggers heatstroke, so it is advisable to replenish electrolytes after heavy sweating and minimize going out at noon.
The End of Heat means the peak of heat has reached the end of its rope and is beginning to fade bit by bit. At this point, northerners can enjoy the comfort of 'new coolness worth ten thousand in gold,' while southerners must still guard against heat, adjust diet and routine gradually, and meet the season's change with composure. No matter north or south, attention should be paid to not letting the indoor-outdoor temperature gap grow too large — drink plenty of water, rest more, and pass the summer-autumn boundary in a steady state.
