Burma’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology said there is an 80 percent chance of showers in Naypyidaw and the surrounding region on 11 December due to the rainstorms coming in from Cyclone Madi in the Bay of Bengal.

But SEA Games organisers say this won’t dampen spirits as the Burmese capital prepares the final touches ahead of the opening ceremony of the games at 4pm local time on Wednesday.

The meteorology department’s director-general Chit Kyaw confirmed that half an inch of rain was expected, but said that it would not ruin the open-air ceremony.

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Meanwhile, Burma’s dream start to the tournament continues with the country racking up more medals in shooting and equestrian events on Wednesday morning.

At 2pm local time Burma was sitting proudly at the top of the medals league with 18 golds, eight silver and 10 bronze. Vietnam is currently second with 10 golds, five silver and seven bronze; Thailand has six golds; Indonesia and Malaysia five golds.

The women’s football tournament started on Tuesday with Burma tipped for more success. The Burmese women began their campaign in Mandalay with a 2-0 victory over the Philippines with one goal in each half from Khin Marlar Win and Than Than Htwe respectively.