Elements could rain on China's Olympic parade

Chinese state media says there is a 41% chance of rain during the opening ceremony at next month’s Olympic Games in Beijing.

However, the China Daily newspaper says in a report today that even if it does rains it is likely to be light, according to historical data analysed by the China Meteorological Administration.

Director general of the opening ceremony Chinese film director Zhang Yimou has said rain is the top worry for the ceremony, which has been kept under complete secrecy.

The paper quoted director of Olympic Weather Service centre Chen Zhenlin in today’s report as saying but thunderstorms, heavy rain, high temperatures, muggy skies and hailstorms still pose a threat.