Does the beginning of winter mean winter? Does it mean winter for you? This article will help you figure it out.

Today is the Beginning of Winter. Does this mean that we have entered winter? In fact, this is a wrong understanding. The Beginning of Winter does not mean that winter has arrived.

01What is the Beginning of Winter?

Lidong is the 19th solar term in the 24 solar terms of the lunar calendar and the first solar term of winter, marking the beginning of winter. After Lidong, the climate begins to transition from the dry and rainy autumn to the rainy and cold winter. The amount of solar radiation received by the northern hemisphere gradually decreases, but because the heat stored in the earth's surface in the summer half of the year still has a certain amount of energy, it is usually not very cold in early winter.

In traditional Chinese culture, the beginning of winter means that all things begin to rest and store. All crops are harvested, dried, stored, and animals begin to prepare for hibernation.

02What is the beginning of winter?

Regarding the division of the beginning of winter, there are two commonly used methods: the "solar term method" and the "temperature method". The solar term method defines the beginning of winter as the beginning of winter in the twenty-four solar terms. The temperature method defines the beginning of winter as the beginning of winter when the average daily temperature drops steadily below 10°C for five consecutive days. It focuses on the actual temperature changes and can more intuitively reflect the cold characteristics of winter. This temperature method is more scientific and is widely used in the field of meteorology. Therefore, from this perspective, the beginning of winter does not mean the beginning of winter.

03When you enter winter, I enter winter too? Winter comes at different times in different parts of my country

The time of winter in different parts of my country varies depending on the geographical location, climate type and specific weather conditions each year. Some areas enter winter earlier, some areas enter winter later, and some areas are in between.

For example, most areas in Northeast China are located in the north, and the temperature drops quickly, so the average winter time is usually earlier. Especially in some high-latitude or high-altitude areas, such as the Greater Khingan Range , winter may come in late autumn .

For example , Xinjiang is located inland and has a dry climate, so winter comes earlier. Northern Xinjiang enters winter in early November, and southern Xinjiang enters winter in late November to early December. Tibet also enters winter earlier due to its high altitude and cold climate. However, the average winter time in these regions is often affected by the weather conditions each year.

The lowest temperature forecast for the beginning of winter across the country (Photo source: China Meteorological Administration)

The highest temperature forecast for the beginning of winter across the country (Photo source: China Meteorological Administration)

Precipitation forecast for the beginning of winter across the country. Gray areas are snowy areas (Image source: China National Meteorological Observatory)

For example, most areas south of the Yangtze River are located in the south, where the temperature drops slowly, so the average winter comes later. The average winter time in these areas is often after the Minor Snow solar term , or even later. Especially in some low-latitude areas, such as Hainan Island , there may be no winter all year round .

Sometimes, it also depends on the specific weather conditions. For example, when a cold wave hits, there will be large-scale snowfall and cooling weather in the local area, and the time of winter will be advanced because of this weather process.

(Source: China Weather Network)

04What should we pay attention to after the beginning of winter ?

We need to adopt different coping methods for different seasons. After the beginning of winter, we need to pay attention to keeping warm, adjusting our diet, exercising properly, adjusting our work and rest schedule, preventing diseases, and paying attention to mental health issues.

◎ As the temperature gradually drops, add more clothes in time, especially the elderly and children should pay more attention to keep warm. Before going out, you can pay attention to the weather forecast, add or remove clothes according to the temperature, and pay special attention to keeping your hands, head, and feet warm.

◎Wear thicker socks and shoes during the day to keep out the cold wind.

◎ Eat more vegetables and fruits, which are rich in vitamins and minerals, and can improve immunity and enhance body resistance, such as spinach, celery, pumpkin, apples, pears, etc.

◎ Nuts are rich in protein, fat and cellulose, which can increase the body's heat and energy and help prevent cardiovascular diseases. For example, walnuts, almonds, peanuts, etc.

◎In winter, the human body needs more protein to keep the body functioning normally. Lean meat, fish, poultry, etc. are all good choices.

◎ In autumn and winter, the weather is dry and the human body is prone to dehydration. You must pay attention to replenishing water. Drinking more hot water can not only meet the needs of the body, but also help regulate body temperature, promote metabolism, eliminate fatigue, expel toxic substances and prevent colds.

◎ Pay attention to strengthening exercise during the season change. Appropriate outdoor exercise such as brisk walking, running, cycling, rope skipping, etc. can improve the body's immunity and enhance the body's ability to resist external cold stimulation. However, you should choose sports according to your own situation, do it within your ability, and pay attention to warm-up before exercise to reduce the risk of injury.

◎After the beginning of winter, the days are short and the nights are long. You should adjust your work and rest schedule appropriately to ensure adequate sleep. Staying up late will affect your health and should be avoided as much as possible.

◎Old people often have high blood pressure, and cold weather can easily raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke. Therefore, the elderly should pay special attention to keeping warm and follow the doctor's advice to control blood pressure.

◎Cold stimulation may cause myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, inducing angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. In addition to keeping warm, the indoor temperature should be appropriate, and it is not advisable to stay out for too long, and pay attention to windproof and warm. At the same time, you can take relevant drugs as prescribed by your doctor for prevention.

◎ Winter weather is gloomy and people are prone to depression. Pay attention to the mental health of yourself and your family, communicate in time and relieve negative emotions.

Author: Wang Yuanhong, Senior Weather and Climate Engineer

Produced by: Science Popularization China