July 23, 2026 sees the arrival of Major Heat. As the 12th of the 24 Solar Terms and the last solar term of summer, Major Heat falls when the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 120 degrees. During this period, most areas in China witness the hottest and most humid time of the year, with ample sunshine and frequent thunderstorms.
Sufficient heat and moisture boost crop growth. Regions nationwide should stay alert to meteorological hazards such as heatwaves, floods and typhoons. A variety of folk customs for cooling down have been handed down, and people focus on heatstroke prevention and health preservation.
