Meteorological authorities in south China's Guangzhou City may use weather modification techniques this month to guarantee a rainless 2010 Asian Games.
Five planes will be used to dispel rain that threatens the 16th Asian Games and its opening ceremony, Yu Yong, head of the Provincial Meteorological Bureau of Guangdong, said on November 4. Other weather modification measures, including cloud dispersing rockets, have also been prepared.
In addition, two meteorological satellites, 16 weather radars and more than 8,000 automated weather stations will serve the Asian Games with accurate and timely weather forecasts.
Weather in Guangzhou during November is typically mild and sunny. Yet, experts have warned of the possibility of extreme weather conditions. China successfully used weather modification techniques prior to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Then, planes and rockets prevented forecast rains from soaking the opening ceremony.
