London Olympics Forecast: Wet

Massive downpours, double the average rainfall, record-setting wet weather, flash floods … not exactly the weather London Olympics organizers were hoping for in the weeks leading up to the summer games. We're less than three weeks out now, and forecasts indicate that though the rains probably won't be as heavy as they have been, the weather won't improve much by the time opening ceremonies are held. Other sporting events, including a Formula One race, have already been disrupted by storms, and Olympics organizers have set up what the Washington Post refers to as "meteorological war rooms" in an effort to anticipate what's coming next.

They've also planted special grass, installed a filtration system in equestrian courses, planned special sailing routes, hired five full-time meteorologists to work 24/7, procured a specially designed cover for the BMX track, and planned for extra competition days for some of the sports in case of bad weather. But all the precautions in the world won't have any impact on Mother Nature herself, and ultimately athletes could be affected. Some are training in damp climates in an attempt to prepare; others are practically doing rain dances—hoping the wet weather will actually help them by hurting their competition. (More 2012 London Olympics stories.)