Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of a shorter autumn season in China, highlighting the late onset of autumn and the early arrival of winter due to climatic changes and global warming [1][9][17]. Summary by Sections Autumn Onset and Duration - The definition of "meteorological autumn" is based on a sliding average temperature remaining below or equal to 22°C for five consecutive days [2][4]. - This year, many regions in southern China experienced a delayed onset of autumn, with Nanjing recording its latest autumn start on October 18, marking a historical record [8][10]. Trends in Autumn Season - Data indicates a trend of autumn arriving later and leaving earlier across various regions in China, with significant delays noted in cities like Zhengzhou, Ningbo, and Shenzhen, where autumn has been pushed back by over 10 days [9][10][14]. - In contrast, northern regions have seen an accelerated onset of winter, with cities like Shijiazhuang experiencing a record-short autumn of only 31 days [12][14]. Regional Variations - The duration of autumn varies significantly across China, with northern areas typically having shorter autumns (around 50 days) compared to southwestern regions, which can have autumns lasting 70 to 80 days [16]. - For instance, Guiyang has the longest autumn, lasting an average of 83 days, while Chengdu follows closely with 78 days [16]. Impact of Global Warming - The shortening of autumn is attributed to global warming, which alters atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to prolonged summer heat and earlier winter conditions [17][18]. - This climatic shift poses health risks during the transitional period between autumn and winter, particularly for individuals with chronic diseases [20].