High-tech weather forecast to be used for Beijing Olympics

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Source: CCTV.com | 08-08-2007 14:58

Special Report:   2008 Beijing Olympics

Beijing's Olympics will be held during the peak time for summer rainstorms, so the city's meteorological bureau is doing everything it can to improve its weather. The most advanced technologies will be used to forecast and deal with unexpected weather.

The latest digital technology creates high resolution models of weather patterns to keep on top of changing conditions. The new systems improves the 3-hour rolling weather forecast for the Beijing area and the hourly forecast for specific sports venues.

The research and development has produced practical results that will help fine-tune forecast for venues and warn of severe weather.

Beijing is also experimenting with rain dispersal technology. Compared with creating artificial rain, dispelling rain is much more complicated. But meteorologists have made some progress by undertaking experiments over several summers. This will function for the big events like opening and closing ceremonies.

Wang Yubin, director Beijing Meteorological Bureau, said, "Every Olympics needs advancements in various fields, including weather forecast. Beijing will do better."