The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Minor Heat, the 11th solar term of the year, begins on July 7 this year and ends on July 22.
中国传统24节气的第11个节气是小暑。今年的小暑从7月7日开始，7月22日结束。
Minor Heat signifies the hottest period is coming but the extreme hot point has yet to arrive.
小暑节气意味着一年中最热的时候即将到来，但还未达到暑热高峰。
The following are 6 things you need to know about Minor Heat.
一起来了解关于小暑的6个小常识。
A season of storms, thunder and hail
雷雨冰雹多发季
Storms, thunder and hail often happen during Minor Heat, though in some years there might be droughts. One of the prevailing farming activities during Minor Heat is staying on top of flood control and drought relief.
暴雨、雷电、冰雹经常在小暑节气发生，不过有些年份可能会出现干旱。小暑期间主要农事活动之一就是防洪抗旱。
A season for the lotus flower
莲花盛开的季节
In Minor Heat, high temperatures are good for the growth of the lotus flower. From Minor Heat to the Double Ninth Festival, the elegant lotus flower is in full bloom.
小暑的高温适合莲花生长。小暑到重阳节是优雅的莲花盛开的季节。
