Starting May 21, Guangdong Province will enter its annual "Dragon Boat Rain" season, a period of heavy rainfall that typically lasts through June 20 in South China.
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
This seasonal phenomenon is caused by the collision of warm, humid air from the south with cold air moving southward, often coinciding with the Dragon Boat Festival. Compared to regular rainfall, it is characterized by long duration, high intensity, significant cumulative precipitation, strong extremity, and wide geographic impact.
Over the past 30 years, Guangdong has recorded an average of 321.1 millimeters of rainfall during this period, making it the wettest phase of the province's pre-flood season (April to June).
According to the Guangdong Meteorological Bureau, this year's "Dragon Boat Rain" period is expected to bring five rounds of regional rainstorms across the province, which will occur on May 24 to 25, May 29 to June 1, June 6 to 8, June 11 to 14, and June 17 to 19.
These rainstorms may be accompanied by severe convective weather, including hail, thunderstorms, strong winds, and short-term heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods, urban waterlogging, and geological disasters.
Guangdong's meteorological authorities also noted that while tropical cyclones are less likely to affect the province during this period, there will be two brief high-temperature intervals, expected around June 9 to 10 and June 19 to 20.
Author | Huang Xinying
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
