One-week forecast available prior to Olympic opening day

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Source: CCTV.com | 07-16-2008 12:59

Less than a month to go before the Beijing Olympics and the country's top weather forecaster says he can't guarantee it won't rain on opening day. But a more accurate weather forecast for August 8th won't be available until a week before the opening ceremonies.

China Meteorological Administration experts gathered for  a press conference in BIMC.

China Meteorological Administration experts are set to come up with a preliminary forecast two weeks before the Games. But they are not expected to go public with their predictions as they say "too much uncertainty is involved."

Qiao Lin, Chief Weather Forecaster

Qiao Lin, Chief Weather Forecaster, said, "On the opening day of the Olympics, in the Beijing area, a statistical analysis based on historical weather records shows there is a possibility that it will rain. The possibility of just a drizzle is about a little over 40 percent. But there is only a small possibility of heavy rain."

A center for Olympics weather services has been launched. It will provide weather reports every 3 hours for Olympic venues and Games-related traffic, as well as round-the-clock traffic and weather reports for each of Beijing's ring roads, expressways, and national highways.

All this information will be available on radio and TV, in newspapers, on the Internet and via electric billboards scattered around the city.

The meteorological bureau of Beijing has also carried out a drill, attempting to dispel clouds shrouding the city and causing thunderstorms. The drill aimed to check that all relevant departments can cooperate to provide comprehensive weather services and handle bad weather during the Games.

Editor:Du Xiaodan