Culture insider:7 things you need to know about Grain in Ear

4. An increase of rainfall

Rainfall increases during Grain in Ear compared to the previous eight solar terms. Regions in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China are about to enter the Plum Rains season.

Plum Rains, often occurring during June and July, refer to the long period of continuous rainy or cloudy weather accompanied by frequent and large amounts of rainfall. June and July are also time for plums to become ripe, so it is called plum rains.

Plum Rains is a good period for growing rice, vegetables and fruits. People can take advantage of the climate resources and accordingly arrange farming activities. But extremely unusual Plum Rains can also cause disasters such as floods or continuous droughts.

Visitors visit the bund in Shanghai in the mist and rain, June 19, 2011.[Photo/IC]