Create a custom date range - Los Angeles Times

This summer, Bernard Lagat has the perfect trip in mind. He knows a town in southern Germany where the weather should be just right.

"Cold," he says. "Even in July."

Even better, the sky over Tubingen can turn gray and threatening at this time of year.

"When it rains," Lagat says, "I'll go to the track."

Like many Americans headed for the 2012 London Olympics, the veteran distance runner is trying to prepare himself for a gloomy English summer.

Cool temperatures and precipitation could affect a host of outdoor events ranging from archery to triathlon. Even sailing.

"Some mornings there is fog on the water," said Zach Railey, a Finn class racer. "I'm from Florida, so it's definitely a big change."

The last two months have raised fears about what the weather has in store as severe storms and flash floods have plagued the United Kingdom. Downpours soaked the crowds that turned out for Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee in early June.

Still, forecasters at the Met Office —...