小暑

Minor Heat, the eleventh solar term of the traditional Chinese calendar, signals the beginning of the hot summer.

小暑是中国传统历法中的第十一个节气，标志着炎热夏季的开始。

Though not the hottest period yet, it prepares us for the extreme heat of Major Heat.

虽然还不是最热的时候，但它为即将到来的大暑做好了准备。

A popular saying goes, " Minor Heat and Major Heat, steaming and boiling. "

俗话说:“小暑大暑，上蒸下煮。”

During Minor Heat, thunderstorms are frequent in many parts of China.

在小暑期间，中国许多地方雷暴频繁。

This period also marks the beginning of the hottest and most humid days of the year, known as the " dog days" or " Sanfu" .

这个时期也是一年中最热、最潮湿的“三伏天”的开始。

These days are critical for crops, as the simultaneous rain and heat promote growth.

对于农作物来说，这段时间至关重要，因为同时的雨水和高温有利于生长。