Weather Uncertainty Looms Over Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony faces potential weather challenges as forecasts predict rain on the day of the event. Meteo-France foresees overcast skies and light rain in the morning, with potential evening showers. Despite the risk, the ceremony featuring a boat parade on the Seine will proceed as planned.

Weather concerns are looming over the grandiose opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics on the Seine River. Latest forecasts indicate a chance of rain on Friday, with overcast skies expected from midday and light rain in the morning, according to Meteo-France.

The weather should improve in the afternoon; however, the French weather service warned on Thursday that evening showers could not be ruled out. The ceremony, scheduled to start at 1:30 pm EDT/7:30 pm CEST and last more than three hours, will go on as planned even if it rains.

Approximately 6,800 athletes will parade on more than 90 boats along a 6-kilometer stretch of the Seine River rather than a traditional stadium march. Despite 10,700 athletes competing, hundreds are stationed outside Paris, leaving 320,000 spectators to line the riverbanks.

(With inputs from agencies.)