It was nerve-wracking, but a great opportunity

Li Meng, 28, weather forecaster in Shaanxi province, who provided services for the 14th National Games

This was the first time I had worked as a forecaster at an event as important as the 14th National Games, so I was a little nervous at first. Step by step, I adapted myself to the rhythm of the work and requirements in Xi’an, Shaanxi, the province the games were held in.

Last year, I was selected to work at the games as a member of the meteorological service in the Yangling Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Zone in Shaanxi.

I had to perform to the best of my ability because I was not only representing myself, but also the professionalism of the service in Yangling.

At home, I am only really busy in the event of severe weather. In Xi’an, I was occupied all the time as I was serving various events in different venues.

We had to provide hourly reports the day before an event and constantly check radar images so we didn’t miss significant indications of rainstorms and strong winds.

Along with other forecasters, I worked from 5:30 am to 7 pm, or sometimes to 11 pm. We undertook night shifts in turn. On one occasion, the radar images showed that heavy rain was on its way at around 7 pm, just as we were preparing to leave work.

We returned to our posts and worked until the threat ended.

The games were a test of our professional abilities in all aspects. They also provided an opportunity to hone our skills and make more accurate forecasts.

We had to forecast specific factors for specific time periods and areas. For events held near the northern parts of the Qinling Mountains, we focused on forecasts for thunder and lightning, while we focused on monitoring water temperatures for the aquatic events.

It was not enough to report the average temperature in a city because conditions could change according to location.

For example, the temperature in Xi’an’s Olympic Sports Center was usually 1 C higher than the local average, so we needed to refine our forecasts in light of that.

Unlike regular weather forecasts, which provide general suggestions including things such as “remember to carry an umbrella”, forecasts for sports events require more information related to specific events, venues, competitors, traffic and spectators.

As I grew more familiar with the work, I felt more involved in the games. I was worried when bad weather delayed or even suspended events, and I was also nervous about making inaccurate forecasts.

It was an honor for me to serve such a big event. Although I worked behind the scenes and could not attend the opening or closing ceremonies, I was there in spirit.