High-tech weather systems for Olympic torch relay on Everest

New Delhi, February 1 : With a view to obtaining timely and accurate weather information before and during the Olympic torch relay, which will reach a height of 8,300 metres on the peak, Chinese meteorological authorities have installed high-tech systems on Mount Qomolangma (Everest).

"We have installed necessary monitoring devices and mobile wind profilers that can work in the low-temperature environment and generate more precise weather reports, based on numerical forecasts and site analysis," the China Daily quoted Wang Jianjie, a spokeswoman with the Beijing Meteorological Bureau, as telling Xinhua.

Wang says that weather forecasts will enable the bureau to recommend the best time and route for the expedition to Mount Qomolangma, and to keep mountaineers informed about possible dangers.

"For example, we'll warn them in advance of high wind," Wang adds.

She revealed that weather data will be gathered with the help of satellites and six automatic meteorological stations in place since last May-located at six points between the Base Camp at 5,200 meters to an elevation of 6,200 meters above sea-level.

Head of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), Zheng Guoguan, says that the Qomolangma weather service system will be used for making short-range forecasts.

He revealed that the weather analysis services will be in state during the Olympiad's opening and closing ceremonies, tests on rain making, the presentation of the Olympic torch on Mt. Qomolangma, the torch relay and the successful running of all the events.

The Olympic torch relay is to begin with the lighting the flame in ancient Olympia, Greece on March 24, and it will arrive in Beijing on March 31. Thereafter, the torch will travel to 19 foreign cities and 115 domestic ones. Over 21,000 runners will participate in the relay.

The 17-day Olympiad will open on August 8.

ANI