DUESSELDORF, Germany, May 31 - There is an 80 percent chance of rain for Munich at some point on June 9 when the World Cup starts, a top meteorologist said on Wednesday.

People walk past a giant 2006 FIFA World Cup globe next to Berlin's landmark Brandenburg Gate May 31, 2006. The 15-metre high soccer globe was created by Vienna-based cross-disciplinary artist Andre Heller. [Reuters]

Joerg Kachelmann, Germany's leading weather forecaster, said in an interview record cold temperatures that brought snow to southern Germany this week should give way to a slight warming in the next week but there was no summer or heat wave in sight.

Using computer models and formulae to make a forecast beyond the usual three to five-day outlook, Kachelmann told Reuters odds were high that the cooler than average temperatures and wet conditions would remain to at least June 11.

"The African guys are going to be wondering 'what the heck?' for quite a few days to come even if it's not going to be as cold and with as much snow as we've had lately," he said.

"Based on the models and an ensemble of data, I'd say there is an 80 percent chance of rain on June 9 in Munich. That doesn't mean it will rain during the match but at some point during the day on June 9 it will probably rain in Munich."

Togo players have struggled with freezing cold at their southern German camp, several Ecuador players caught flu in Bad Kissingen and a Dutch training site in Hinterzarten was covered with snow -- fortunately the team arrive on June 6.

Germany play Costa Rica in the opening match in Munich on June 9. June weather in Germany can vary from temperatures near zero Celsius to as high as 30, with everything from heavy rain for days on end or weeks of blue skies.

Kachelmann, head of the Meteomedia weather service and the most popular weather forecaster on ARD television, said his tentative prediction for up to two weeks could prove worthless as weather conditions changed constantly. But he added: "At this point, it's hard to believe it could be really hot on June 9."

Heavy rain played a role at the last World Cup here in 1974, especialy when the West Germany hosts beat Poland 1-0 in the "Water Battle of Frankfurt", so the weather is on the minds of players, coaches, fans and bookmakers.