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The UK has spent seven years preparing for the Olympics, with billions spent on new stadiums, transport upgrades and security measures, but organizers are powerless to prevent the weather disrupting the festivities.

The Olympic torch has been on a tour of the UK since May 19 and while there have been many days filled with sunshine, others, like this one near Mansfield, have proved a threat to the flame itself.

Many regions were officially in drought conditions during the spring, but the summer has seen flash floods up and down the country as the jet stream continues to direct stormy weather across the UK -- and meteorologists predict this will continue.

The Queen's Jubilee celebrations were dominated by rain as Her Majesty and the Royal Family were forced to brave wet and chilly conditions during a flotilla on the River Thames.

Thousands of people flocked into London to see the flotilla, withstanding driving rain for most of the procession.

As is usually the case, rain forced Wimbledon organizers to tinker with the tournament schedule as play was interrupted numerous times on all but Centre Court, which has a retractable roof.

Cricket, a quintessentially British summer sport, is also at the mercy of the weather. England's series with the West Indies and Australia were both affected.

A concert planned for Hyde Park that featured Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan had to be canceled after organizers declared the site unsafe. Recently, fans had to brave rain showers for the Wireless Festival, featuring acts like Rihanna and Nicki Minaj.

Formula One's British Grand Prix eventually began under clear skies but heavy rain prior to the race forced organizers to ask those with cars not to attend Saturday's qualifying session after camping areas and car parks became waterlogged.

Film director Danny Boyle (center) is in charge of London's opening ceremony, which is set to feature artificial rain. Given the grim weather forecast, that may not be necessary.

(CNN) -- London has spent billions preparing to host the 2012 Olympics, constructing state of the art stadiums, overhauling transport links and installing anti-aircraft missiles to beef up security.

But there is one thing organizers can't control: The Great British Weather.

Recently two titanic events of the sporting summer -- tennis at Wimbledon and Formula One's British Grand Prix -- have been hit by violent storms and the persistent rain that has been stalking the UK for months.

Only this week a major concert in London was canceled after a series of severe deluges rendered Hyde Park unsafe for the thousands of fans who bought tickets.

With just 15 days to go until the opening ceremony and forecasters predicting more turbulence ahead, Olympic officials and their government partners are making contingency plans for those events that could be decimated by adverse weather.

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As well as umbrellas, a mass of red, white and blue ponchos will be on sale to keep patrons dry, yet those who have spent the most on tickets -- up to £2,012 ($3,100) in some cases -- could well be stationed in the parts of the Olympic Stadium that aren't fully sheltered.

Many events, such as the beach volleyball on Horse Guard's Parade and the show jumping in Greenwich Park, are open and vulnerable to whatever the elements decide to throw at them.

Photos: Olympic sports add variety to photographer 'diet'

The W-Factor

But despite fears the July 27-August 12 sporting extravaganza could be a washout, the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has stressed that combating the challenges the UK's unique climate offers has featured heavily in its seven years of meticulous planning.

"I don't think the issue of the weather has kept anyone awake at night," a spokesperson said. "We've had several years of detailed planning and I think this comes with any major outdoor sporting event. You have to factor the weather into your plans, and we have done.

"The weather in the UK is what it is -- changeable. People organize sporting events all year round and deal with the weather, so the Olympics is no different in that regard -- but there is planning in place if there is extreme weather so we can deal with it and the Games can continue."

LOCOG said there was enough flexibility in the Games program to reschedule events if necessary.

The grass in Greenwich Park has been treated for three years to ensure it is better able to cope with any downpours that may occur during the equestrian events, LOCOG said, while the dressage arena is built on a platform to shield it from any surface water.

In addition, there are five alternative venues for sailing, should they be required, and a team of meteorologists from the Met Office -- the UK's national weather service -- will be stationed at various locations to provide up-to-the-minute forecasts.

On the verge of collapse, marathon runner Dorando Pietri is helped across the finish line at the 1908 London Olympics. The Italian was subsequently disqualified and the title given to John Hayes of the U.S.

Marathon runners set off from Windsor Castle, cheered on by crowds as they race towards the Olympic Stadium in White City.

A marathon runner is examined by a doctor ahead of the event. However the check-up didn't appear to help Pietri, who fell down five times in the last 2km of the race. He was helped back up by umpires each time.

The Swedish team march past spectators during the opening ceremony, held on April 27.

Danish gymnasts cut a stark contrast in their white finery against the backdrop of the arena, on July 14.

British swimmer Henry Taylor with his very proud trainer after winning the 400 meters.

Captains of the Swedish and English tug-of-war teams shake hands at the tournament held in Crystal Palace.

The Swedish water polo team training in London.

A packed stadium cheers on cyclists during a race. More than 100 years later, the 2012 London Olympics boasts a specially-built Velodrome for cycling, with seating for 6,000 competitors.

The 1908 London Olympics

London 2012 organizers have transformed a neglected area of the East End into a green and sustainable Olympic Park.

After winning the bid to host the Games back in 2005, work began on clearing the brownfield site full of derelict land and dilapidated buildings -- more than 200 were demolished to make way for the Olympic Park, say organizers.

The venues, like the velodrome pictured here in the background, blend into the landscaped parkland creating a number of striking vistas.

More than 4,000 trees, 74,000 plants and 300,000 wetland plants have been used on 500-acre site.

All the venues have been constructed with sustainablity in mind. The 2012 basketball arena (pictured) is one of several temporary venues erected for the duration of the Games. In total, there will be almost 300,000 temporary spectator seats, a figure without precedent at the Olympics, organizers say.

The aquatic center, designed by British architect Zaha Hadid, is another venue with temporary seating. After the Games it's "wings" will be removed shrinking the capacity from 15,000 to 2,500 as it turns into a facility for the local community.

The Olympic Stadium is the lightest ever constructed, say organizers, weighing 10 times less than Beijing's Bird's Nest stadium.

The Olympic Village -- Victory Park -- will play host to around 17,000 athletes and officials during the Games. The complex includes 10,000-square meters of green roof.

With just days to go until the opening ceremony, organizers have cut Olympic rings into the grass in Richmond Park, south-west London, further promoting the green ambitions of the Games. David Stubbs, head of sustainability for London 2012 said: "If you can put sustainability at the heart of a project which is the largest logistical exercise in peace time ... then you can do it anywhere."

London's Olympic Park goes for green

London's green Games

A member of the Wimbledon ground staff monitors one of the test areas on Centre Court.

Wimbledon head groundsman Eddie Seaward will retire after overseeing the preparation of the courts for both the third grand slam of the tennis year and the London 2012 Olympics.

This view of the 2006 women's singles final at Wimbledon between Amelie Mauresmo and Justin Henin gives a clear indication of the areas of Centre Court which take the most punishment.

West Yorkshire provides a picturesque setting for the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) headquarters where many of the world's sports pitches are developed.

Staff at the STRI in Bingley make full use of their state-of-the-art laboratory.

STRI staff test various surfaces for wear and playing characteristics.

The flooded pitch at the Donbass Arena for the Euro 2012 group game between France and the Ukraine quickly dried. STRI advised on the playing surface and drainage system.

Wimbledon ground staff conduct a test to determine how the ball is bouncing on a court.

STRI staff use their facility to replicate the grass on Wimbledon's Centre Court and other sporting venues such as horse racing's Royal Ascot and Lord's cricket ground.

Scientists at STRI continue to test varieties of grass to determine the most appropriate for different sports.

Will Wimbledon stay green for the Olympics?

LOCOG's confidence is shared by the UK government, which is footing the extensive bill that comes with hosting the four-yearly showpiece.

Photos: The art of shooting the Olympics

Government's guarantee

Sports minister Hugh Robertson said most venues are "reasonably weatherproof."

"It won't surprise you to learn we've been spending quite a bit of time on this, given the way June and July have gone," he was quoted as saying by The Guardian newspaper.

"The Thames would have to rise a huge amount before the rowing is under the threat; the mountain biking is up a mountain and if it's a bit muddy it doesn't matter; the canoeing is an artificial venue; the football pitches shouldn't be a problem.

"There is sufficient slippage in the individual programs in various sports to cater for a certain amount of this. With hockey, which you can't play if there is a tropical monsoon going on, there is enough slippage in the program to enable you to reschedule the matches."

All facets within organizers' control have been covered, Robertson said, and he confidently predicted those attending the first Olympics in London since 1948 wouldn't let the weather dampen their spirits.

"It would be nice if the weather was perfect. It's completely out of our control," he said. "The British themselves are pretty stoic; there is a long tradition of watching sport in rain macs or listening to Cliff Richard or whatever. It has rather dogged this project since we went to Greece (to receive the Olympic flame) and it rained.

"People who come to watch the Olympics tend not to be born yesterday, they tend to do a bit of research. Anyone coming to this country this year probably know they are going to get a drop of rain. Regardless of the weather, we will have a great party. The fun of the party will overcome the inconvenience of the rain."

Olympic-level security underway

Queen's rain

Should the heavens open, it won't be the first time inclement weather has put a soggy spin on huge celebrations in the English capital, or that the famous British "stiff upper lip" has been deployed to combat depressing conditions.

Many regions of the UK were officially in drought conditions in early spring, but there has been a deluge since late April.

The Orbit Tower at London's Olympic Park was unveiled by the city's mayor Boris Johnson.

Johnson claimed the swirling, bright red sculpture, was "more complex" than the Eiffel Tower, and "endlessly rewarding" for the viewer.

Visitors will climb 455 steps -- or ride one of two elevators -- to two observation platforms.

Some of London's most famous landmarks, including the Shard, the Gherkin and St Paul's Cathedral, can be spotted from the top.

The sculpture was the brainchild of artist Anish Kapoor and designer Cecil Balmond.

Cecil Balmond's original sketch for the Orbit Tower shows how the design has evolved over the past three years.

Anish Kapoor said he chose red -- a color that features in much of his work -- to make sure the sculpture stood out among the grey and white Olympic venues.

The swirling, swooping design has been compared to everything from a hubble-bubble pipe to a rollercoaster.

It also features a large trumpet-like structure at the base.

Anish Kapoor says the bell-shaped canopy is "slightly frightening, a little ominous".

Visitors will be charged £15 (£7 for children) to ascend the tower -- a figure Kapoor admits is expensive.

But its creators and backers hope the latest landmark on London's skyline will soon become as popular as the London Eye.

Orbit sculpture unveiled at Olympic Park

Orbit sculpture unveiled at Olympic Park

Orbit sculpture unveiled at Olympic Park

Orbit sculpture unveiled at Olympic Park

Orbit sculpture unveiled at Olympic Park

Orbit sculpture unveiled at Olympic Park

Orbit sculpture unveiled at Olympic Park

Orbit sculpture unveiled at Olympic Park

Orbit sculpture unveiled at Olympic Park

Orbit sculpture unveiled at Olympic Park

Orbit sculpture unveiled at Olympic Park

Orbit sculpture unveiled at Olympic Park

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Orbit sculpture unveiled at Olympic Park

Nine-year-old schoolgirl Niamh Clarke-Willis makes history as she presses the button to officially open the Olympic stadium along with London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe. They were joined on stage by TV presenters Gabby Logan and Vernon Kay.

Paralympic gold medalist archer Danielle Brown also took part in the ceremony. The opening weekend included the British Universities and Colleges Sports Outdoor Championships, the first athletics meeting at the 80,000-seater stadium.

Brown fired arrows into a spinning target, covered with the names of 100 children in the crowd -- and Clarke-Willis was the lucky winner.

Logan looks on as her husband Kenny, a former rugby union international, competes in a celebrity tug-of-war. About 40,000 spectators watched entertainers including impressionist Jon Culshaw, actor Hugh Bonneville, former Spice Girl Melanie C, rapper Chipmunk and comedian Jack Whitehall.

Wet weather didn't stop thousands of visitors turning up. The venue was built using 10,000 tons of steel, considerably less than other Olympic stadiums organizers say, and with an emphasis on sustainability. Construction began in May 2008 and was completed in March 2011.

James Ellington, left, celebrates winning the men's 100 meters final during the weekend's BUCS VISA Athletics Championships, one of the Olympic test events.

Katy Sealy throws in the javelin event. The track and field competition was watched by a reported crowd of around 6,000 during the day before numbers swelled for the evening show.

It was the first time many visitors had walked around the Olympic grounds, including the new aquatics center. They appeared cautiously optimistic about the site, with one family telling CNN the seats were comfortable but there was a lack of rubbish bins.

A sculpture by Turner Prize-winning artist Anish Kapoor looms over the Olympic Park. The 115-meter ArcelorMittal Orbit includes two viewing platforms for spectators to view the site.

Visitors had to queue for events as they passed through airport-style checks. Security was high at the event, with police helicopters fyling overhead and armed officers patrolling the grounds.

London 2012 Olympic stadium opens

The Queen's Jubilee celebrations were hit by torrential rain, as the Royal Family had to brave the wet and chilly conditions during a flotilla procession down the Thames, albeit undercover.

The tennis at Wimbledon wouldn't be the same unless it was punctuated by breaks for rain, and sure enough, the weather forced organizers into a well-worn routine of rescheduling.

The installation of a roof on Centre Court in 2009 has allowed some of the game's biggest names to complete their matches, and came to the rescue again this year when a heavy shower adjourned the men's singles final between Andy Murray and Roger Federer.

While the weather didn't interrupt the British Grand Prix it did turn camping areas for the 120,000 fans who attended into a mud bath, with organizers asking those with cars to stay away from Saturday's qualifying.

Why so wet?

The reason for this particularly soggy summer, meteorologists say, is to do with the position of the all-important jet stream to the south of England, when it should usually be stationed far further north.

It has already produced the wettest June the UK has seen since records began in 1910, with July continuing in a similar vein.

One of the Met Office's observation towers, next to Weymouth, the venue for the sailing events during the Olympics, has already seen three times the average rainfall in the opening 11 days of the month.

"The jet stream is a narrow band of fast flowing winds that run from west to east across the Atlantic and it effectively steers low pressure systems, so with it running to the south it's steering those low pressure systems over the UK," the Met Office's Dan Williams told CNN.

"We're in the UK, we have Great British weather and that as we know can entail lots of different weather, sometimes in the same day or even less time than that.

"Our advice to those going to the Olympics is to keep up to date with the forecast to know whether to pack your sunscreen, a poncho or both. Always go prepared for whatever the weather has in store."

Though the Met Office is reluctant to nail its colors to the mast in terms of a detailed Olympic forecast, its website does say a lengthy spell of hot, sunny weather looks "unlikely."

The British obsession with the weather is well documented even when there isn't an Olympic summer to contend with, but with the biggest event in world sport approaching, the nation's eyes are sure to be glued to the forecast right up until the opening ceremony kicks off.

Photos: Portraits of Olympic athletes