The sun may, just may, shine on London Olympics

LONDON – The sun may, just may, shine on the London Olympics.

The Met Office, which forecasts the weather in one of the world's most fickle climates, said Tuesday that the rain that has soaked England for weeks and kept temperatures cool could give way to sunshine in time for the opening ceremony on July 27.

"Southern areas (of England) are likely to see some drier, sunny spells" starting this weekend, the Met Office said. "Temperatures mostly near or a little below normal in the north and west but probably above average in places ... with the prospect of some pleasant, more seasonal conditions at times, especially towards southern and central areas."

Apart from raining on London's parade, the weather has been worrying organizers of equestrian and rowing events, where venues have been waterlogged by weeks of constant rain.

Despite the positive forecast, don't expect a repeat of the heat from Athens in 2004 or Beijing in 2008.

"A lengthy spell of hot, sunny weather does look unlikely," the Met Office said.