Forecasters confident of weathering all storms

Meanwhile, a special climate work group formed by the Shaanxi Meteorological Bureau conducted background analyses of weather conditions at sports fields across the province. The team combed through provincial climate data related to the month of September over the past 30 years and calculated the frequency and locations of notable weather events.

Mao Mingce, deputy director of the Shaanxi Climate Center, said the facility provides forecasts for every venue so response plans can be formulated.

For example, Shaanxi's northern areas often experience strong winds and high temperatures during the games, while the south of the province regularly sees heavy rains that could cause landslides and floods.

"We must make proper forecasts that neither exaggerate nor underplay the situation, so the organizers don't overwork their plans or neglect risks. In the national games, forecasters are like sentinels: our major responsibility is to provide information as accurately as possible," Mao said.