Briefly: April 2

Guangzhou has earliest summer since 1961

The meteorological bureau in Guangzhou, in South China's Guangdong province, has announced that the city entered summer on March 23, ahead of the usual date on April 16 and the earliest since 1961. Numerous other cities in the province, including Foshan, Jiangmen, Zhongshan and Dongguan, also announced the early arrival of summer. According to China's meteorological industry standard, when there are "five consecutive days above or equal to 22 C, then the first date will be the start of summer."

Police detain 294 for securities crimes

Beijing police have recently detained 294 people involved in 15 groups suspected of illegally seeking profits after providing securities-related information to investors. The suspects, all without business licenses, were found to have taken advantage of people's lack of securities expertise and get-rich-quick mentality by sending text messages, telemarketing and other means to provide stock investment advice, and then illegally making profits by charging software fees and membership services, the Beijing Public Security Bureau said.

Traffic warning issued ahead of festival

China's Ministry of Public Security has issued an early warning for road traffic safety risks on Tomb Sweeping Day, which falls on Thursday this year. As the festival is an important occasion for Chinese to visit cemeteries, pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors, the ministry expects greater traffic risks due to concentrated traffic flows around tomb areas during the period. It warned on Monday of traffic safety risks involving tourist vehicles and around scenic spots brought about by holiday travelers, as well as higher risks in rural areas, as spring sowing also begins around the same time. The ministry also reminded people to be aware of the impact of rainy weather.