Rio 2016: Strong winds push blaze into Olympic mountain biking venue

By Katy Galimberti, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer

August 16,2016; 9:49PM,EDT

 

 

The second full week of Olympic competition is underway in Rio de Janeiro.
Rain and wind caused several delays in events last week. Showers and strong winds also lead to delays during track and field events on Monday evening.
Hungary's Balazs Baji, left, and Canada's Johnathan Cabral run through the pouring rain during a men's 110-meter hurdles heat during the athletics competitions of the 2016 Summer Olympics at the Olympic stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Winds also contributed to a raging fire at the mountain bike course on Monday. A controlled burn was being conducted when winds spread the blaze toward the venue.
Outdoor biking events are scheduled for this weekend. According to Reuters, Rio officials said the fire was under control.
"High winds made the fire advance close to the mountain bike venue. During the firefighters work to contain it, the fire changed its direction and doesn't represent any risk to the venue," officials said in a statement.
A fire burns roughly 10 miles from the Olympic field hockey venue during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Cliff Brunt)
The winds spread ash and smoke as far as 10 miles away onto the women's field hockey stadium.
Though some showers could occur at times, the threat of wind and rain will diminish this week. Weather is expected to have a limited impact to the remaining event schedule this week.
A weak front could lead to some showers on Tuesday, AccuWeather Meteorologist Rob Richards said.
"There'll be some showers to dodge, especially into the evening," he said.
Track and field athletes could see damp conditions as they take the stage on Tuesday evening.

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By Wednesday, the above-average warmth will continue. Highs will return to the upper 80s F (31 C).
"Wednesday is the warmest day of the week," Richards said. "Humidity will be a minor factor, especially in the afternoon hours."
Heading into late in the week, showers could return by Thursday and Friday. However, any rain that does fall will not be widespread.
Temperatures will drop to the mid-70s F (24 C) by Friday.
Rain chances will ramp up for Saturday, Richards said. Wet conditions could plague the women's triathlon and the fourth round of women's golf.