Xiaoshu (小暑) — Lesser Heat

Xiaoshu occurs at celestial longitude 105°, around July 6-8. Heat intensifies; "lesser" because the absolute peak (Dashu) lies two weeks ahead. The "three fu" hot days typically begin.

Tradition: eating mutton soup (羊肉湯), exposing books and clothing to sunlight to prevent moths. Climate: high temperature with afternoon thunderstorms; typhoons begin in southeastern China.