Based on daily precipitation data of 17 stations in Shijiazhuang during 1972-2006, the spatial and temporal variation features of the first soaking rain in spring were analyzed by using the methods of EOF, REOF and linear trend, and the relations between the first soaking rain date and spring, summer rainfall using the method of correlation analysis, as well as the typical circulation features of the first soaking rain were also analyzed. Results show that the dates of the first soaking rain in spring delayed generally from southeast and northwest to the centre of the area. The unusual weather  occurs much easily in the place where the first soaking rain date is earlier or later. In recent 35 years, the first soaking rain dates were becoming earlier with a trend of 4-5 days per decade. The precipitation was generally larger (smaller) in spring and smaller (larger) in summer when the first soaking rain was earlier (later) than normal. The dominant circulation characteristics for the first soaking rain in Shijiazhuang are westerly trough and mid-troposphere vortex.