The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, scheduled for 7:30 pm (2300 IST) on Friday, could be disrupted by rain. French weather channel forecasts indicate a 70-80% chance of moderate to heavy rain during the event.
Meteorologist Cyrille Duchesne stated that while the exact path of the rainstorm remains uncertain, some models predict heavy rainfall in Paris. “Some models having Paris on the edge of this heavy rain, while others… see rainfall of 15-20 millimetres, or 10 days of rain in two or three hours,” Duchesne noted on the channel’s website.
The opening ceremony is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators who will watch 10,500 Olympic athletes parade down the River Seine in boats. The event will also be televised to millions worldwide, featuring a highly anticipated artistic display.
Despite the potential for rain, Duchesne expressed optimism, stating, “The hot and sunny weather we might have hoped for at this time of year won’t make an appearance… Whatever the case, this evening the sun will be in the hearts” of those participating and watching around the world.
The state weather authority’s forecast differed slightly, predicting “mild to moderate rain this evening in Paris”. The authority also expects low winds and temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) with overcast skies.
