China may artificially change unfavorable weather for Olympics

Xinhua
Wednesday, July 16, 2008

If bad weather threatens the August 8 opening of Beijing’s Olympic Games, then meteorologists may change the weather, according to a Chinese meteorology official.

Chen Zhenlin, a vice director with the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), made the statement Tuesday afternoon at a press conference held at the Beijing International Media Center.

Meteorological departments will consult with the Beijing municipal government whether or not to change the city’s weather, should there be any unfavorable weather on August 8, Chen said.

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He said meteorologists have made preparations for artificial weather modification since 2003, especially on reducing rainfall, but admitted that the technology still has limitations.

“Artificial weather modification could be useful when a drizzle occurs,” he said. “But in case of a heavy rainfall, no one can help.”

According to Qiao Lin, CMA’s chief weather forecaster, officialweather information for the opening day of the Beijing Olympics would not be available until Aug. 1, a week before the Games.

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