qìhòu

Qìhòu is a Chinese term that broadly refers to climate. It encompasses the long-term patterns of weather conditions in a specific region, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, and atmospheric pressure. Unlike the transient nature of weather, qìhòu describes the prevailing atmospheric conditions averaged over extended periods, typically decades or more.

The concept of qìhòu is deeply ingrained in traditional Chinese culture and has influenced various aspects of life, from agriculture and traditional medicine to art and philosophy. Understanding the qìhòu of a region was crucial for predicting planting and harvesting seasons, managing water resources, and even determining auspicious times for events. Ancient Chinese scholars meticulously observed and recorded climatic phenomena, developing sophisticated systems for forecasting seasonal changes and potential weather anomalies.

Modern meteorological science offers a more precise and data-driven approach to understanding climate, but the fundamental concept of qìhòu as the characteristic atmospheric state of a place remains relevant. It acknowledges the complex interplay of factors that shape a region's climate over time and emphasizes the importance of considering these long-term trends for various human activities and environmental planning.