World Cup Opener in jeopardy if Sweden stays warm

World Cup Opener in jeopardy if Sweden stays warm{mosimage}Cross country skiing’s World Cup premiere in Ostersund next week is in jeopardy because the weather might be too warm for even artificial snow. The ski stadium in Ostersund, 350 miles north of Stockholm, is still without snow, as temperatures have consistently hovered above 32 F. As Tuesday’s forecast showed little chance of freezing temperatures in the next week, doubts grew whether organizers could have the courses ready in time.

The meet on November 20-21 will include individual races for men and women, and relays. Bengt Ericsson, who manages the artificial snow cannons at the Ostersund Ski Stadium, told Sweden’s public television that temperatures have to reach at least minus 28 F – before artificial snow can be produced. -The Associated Press