The UK has spent seven years preparing for the Olympics, with billions spent on new stadiums, transport upgrades and security measures, but organizers are powerless to prevent the weather disrupting the festivities.
The Great British Weather —
The UK has spent seven years preparing for the Olympics, with billions spent on new stadiums, transport upgrades and security measures, but organizers are powerless to prevent the weather disrupting the festivities.
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The Olympic torch has been on a tour of the UK since May 19 and while there have been many days filled with sunshine, others, like this one near Mansfield, have proved a threat to the flame itself.
The torch relay —
The Olympic torch has been on a tour of the UK since May 19 and while there have been many days filled with sunshine, others, like this one near Mansfield, have proved a threat to the flame itself.
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Many regions were officially in drought conditions during the spring, but the summer has seen flash floods up and down the country as the jet stream continues to direct stormy weather across the UK -- and meteorologists predict this will continue.
Flood warning —
Many regions were officially in drought conditions during the spring, but the summer has seen flash floods up and down the country as the jet stream continues to direct stormy weather across the UK -- and meteorologists predict this will continue.
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The Queen's Jubilee celebrations were dominated by rain as Her Majesty and the Royal Family were forced to brave wet and chilly conditions during a flotilla on the River Thames.
One is not amused by the weather —
The Queen's Jubilee celebrations were dominated by rain as Her Majesty and the Royal Family were forced to brave wet and chilly conditions during a flotilla on the River Thames.
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Thousands of people flocked into London to see the flotilla, withstanding driving rain for most of the procession.
Summer showers —
Thousands of people flocked into London to see the flotilla, withstanding driving rain for most of the procession.
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As is usually the case, rain forced Wimbledon organizers to tinker with the tournament schedule as play was interrupted numerous times on all but Centre Court, which has a retractable roof.
Typical Wimbledon weather —
As is usually the case, rain forced Wimbledon organizers to tinker with the tournament schedule as play was interrupted numerous times on all but Centre Court, which has a retractable roof.
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Cricket, a quintessentially British summer sport, is also at the mercy of the weather. England's series with the West Indies and Australia were both affected.
Weather for ducks —
Cricket, a quintessentially British summer sport, is also at the mercy of the weather. England's series with the West Indies and Australia were both affected.
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A concert planned for Hyde Park that featured Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan had to be canceled after organizers declared the site unsafe. Recently, fans had to brave rain showers for the Wireless Festival, featuring acts like Rihanna and Nicki Minaj.
Hyde Park washout —
A concert planned for Hyde Park that featured Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan had to be canceled after organizers declared the site unsafe. Recently, fans had to brave rain showers for the Wireless Festival, featuring acts like Rihanna and Nicki Minaj.
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Formula One's British Grand Prix eventually began under clear skies but heavy rain prior to the race forced organizers to ask those with cars not to attend Saturday's qualifying session after camping areas and car parks became waterlogged.
Slippery Silverstone —
Formula One's British Grand Prix eventually began under clear skies but heavy rain prior to the race forced organizers to ask those with cars not to attend Saturday's qualifying session after camping areas and car parks became waterlogged.
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Film director Danny Boyle (center) is in charge of London's opening ceremony, which is set to feature artificial rain. Given the grim weather forecast, that may not be necessary.
Opening ceremony —
Film director Danny Boyle (center) is in charge of London's opening ceremony, which is set to feature artificial rain. Given the grim weather forecast, that may not be necessary.
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