Minor Snow is the 20th solar term in the 24 solar terms and the second solar term of winter, occurring on November 22 or 23 of the Gregorian calendar each year, when the sun reaches a longitude of 240°. Minor Snow reflects both precipitation and temperature conditions, marking a period with frequent cold waves and strong cold air activities. The arrival of Minor Snow signifies that the weather will become increasingly cold and precipitation will gradually increase.
The reason this solar term is called "Little Snow" is that "snow" is a product of cold weather. During this period, the cold is not yet severe, and precipitation is not heavy, hence the term "Little Snow" is used to describe the climatic characteristics of this solar term. "Little Snow" is a metaphor, reflecting the active cold air currents and gradually increasing precipitation during this period, rather than indicating a minimal amount of snowfall.
During the Xiaoxue solar term, a relatively stable meridional circulation has established in East Asia, with frequent low-pressure systems or troughs over Siberia. When these systems move eastward, large-scale cold air masses descend southward, leading to widespread strong winds and temperature drops in southeastern China.
