The tests are being conducted in the Zhangjiakou competition zone which is due to have a total of eight competition and non-competition venues and host skiing and biathlon competitions where 51 medal events are set to take place.

"Because skiing events are heavily affected by the weather, meteorological services are essential for ensuring a successful Winter Olympics," Guo Hong, vice-director of Zhangjiakou Meteorological Observatory, told China's official state news agency Xinhua. 

Zhangjiakou is located in Chongli district, about four hours' drive from Beijing.

The four projects consist of comprehensive meteorological observation, refined forecast and prediction, meteorological service and a trial project for analyzing the effect of artificial weather.

At present, 29 meteorological observatories have been built in the Zhangjiakou competition venues to provide support for the forecast service and live data for the Games.

Forecast and service platforms are being developed and meteorological forecasters are being trained.

A group of 36 elite technical personnel from across China have undertaken training in Chongli district in order to familiarise themselves with the local climate, summarise the forecast methods and improve their forecasting ability.

All the projects are due to be completed by the end of this year and assessed in time for the start of the Olympics.