Forecasters for 2012 Games try to beat vagaries of our weather

Olympics chiefs are determined that they will not to be beaten by the British weather.

They are aiming to minimise disruption to the 2012 Games by appointing a team of expert forecasters.

The Met Office will spend the next two years studying the "micro climate" of venues for 26 sports and advise organisers on timing. During the Games they will provide minute-by-minute updates from a command centre in the Olympic Park.

Their forecasts will be critical to sailing in Weymouth, rowing at Eton Dorney, tennis at Wimbledon and archery at Lord's - events that will be vulnerable to changing weather patterns.

Director of Sport Debbie Jevans said: "The weather has a direct bearing on a number of sports where detailed forecasts will help us ensure the events will run smoothly."