WeatherFanatics: More Warmth in Store for Sochi: The Mildest Olympic Venue Ever

By Courtney Spamer, Meteorologist

February 13,2014; 11:13AM,EST

An inter-mingling of snow and brown patches are seen near the alpine course at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Temperatures will continue to reach above average for the first full week of competition with some minor effects to the outdoor events.
A weak storm system brought a few showers to Sochi Tuesday morning before quickly departing and allowing some sunshine to return during the afternoon.
High temperatures were able to climb to around 54 F (12 C) in Sochi Tuesday afternoon.

Milder air arrived on Wednesday as the high temperature rose to 16 C (61 F) in Sochi with plenty of sunshine.
Partly to mostly sunny skies are expected into Friday with temperatures climbing into the lower and middle 60s F (17-18 C).
Even the highest peaks will climb above freezing during this stretch of time, and in fact daytime highs will climb into the 40s F (6-9 C) during the outdoor events, potentially causing snow quality issues on various courses.
Normal high temperatures for this time of year in Sochi are around 50 F (or 10 C).
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Jessika Jenson of the United States takes a jump during the women's snowboard slopestyle semifinal at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014, in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
The higher-than-average temperatures could have some minor effects on the snow courses outdoors. It will be more difficult for the facility to keep the snow from melting, which could increase difficulty for some athletes. Some man-made snow may need to be added at night to help improve the conditions.
The bobsled course is another type of event that could have issues with the weather. Maintenance crews will have to work harder to keep the track in top shape for each wave of races. The rise in temperatures could cause some delay for the events.
A storm system approaching the region over the weekend will lead to rain in Sochi and some mountain snow followed by cooler and more seasonable weather next week.
There has been much talk about the mild weather in Sochi and how this venue stacks up to previous locations for the Winter Olympics. With an average high temperature of 49 F (5 C) during the games, Sochi is warmer than the previous four locations with a normal high temperature of 49F during the games.

Nagano, Japan, which hosted in 1998, records an average temperature of 39 F (4 C) during the middle of February.
Meteorologists Eric Leister and Dan DePodwin contributed to this story

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