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The Yangtze valley climate is characterized by distinct subtypes. In central and southern Jiangsu, it's a humid subtropical climate, while to the north, it transitions to a cool, temperate continental climate with more extreme temperatures. This region experiences warm springs, hot summers, cool autumns, and relatively cold winters for its latitude.1

Monsoon winds significantly influence the weather, bringing prolonged rains in the summer and autumn, which are crucial for rice cultivation. The average annual rainfall is about 43 inches (1,100 mm), with 60 to 80 percent falling during the summer months. This heavy summer precipitation can lead to significant flooding, a recurring issue throughout the Yangtze's history. Typhoons also periodically affect the coastal areas between late summer and early autumn.12345

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