WeatherFanatics: Warmup in Sochi Could Cause Problems for Events

By Courtney Spamer, Meteorologist

February 10,2014; 7:04PM,EST

Temperatures will continue to reach above average for the first full week of competition with some minor effects to the outdoor events.
A wave of energy will push out from the Black Sea Monday night (local time) and will bring a few rain showers to the Olympic stage through Tuesday.
Above 5,000 feet (~1500 meters), the storm will bring a fresh coating of snow to the highest slopes, even above most of the resorts.
With the precipitation will also come the coldest air for the next 5 days.

Highs in the lower to mid-50s F (around 12 C) for the city of Sochi on Tuesday will rise following the weak storm.
Sunshine is expected from Wednesday and through the end of the week with temperatures climbing near 60 degrees Fahrenheit (or about 15 Celsius) Wednesday and even into the lower 60s F (~17 degrees C). Some of the highest slopes in the Sochi area may even climb above freezing for the end of the week.
Normal temperatures for this time of year 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 to the snow courses outdoors. It will be more difficult for the facility to keep the snow from melting. Some man-made snow may need to be added at night.
The bobsled course are 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 warmer air, even for the indoor rinks, will make it more challenging to keep the ice in good shape. Either way, the rise in temperatures could cause some delay for events.
The good news is that temperatures will return closer to normal by the end of the coming weekend, leaving the final weekend of the Winter Olympics with more winterlike conditions.

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