Bad Weather: Olympia Flame-Lighting Ceremony Moved to Museum - Olympic Flame Moves Indoors as Storms Disrupt 2026 Winter Games Ritual
The lighting of the Olympic flame for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games has been shifted indoors due to poor weather forecasts. Strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms in western Peloponnese made the usual outdoor ignition unsafe and impractical. The event will now take place inside the Archaeological Museum of Olympia on Wednesday, with a backup flame already lit and stored in a storm lantern. The museum's limited space means some invited guests may not be admitted. The 2026 Winter Olympics will run from February 6 to 22 in Milan and Cortina, and this adjustment ensures the flame's journey to Italy begins smoothly despite the weather challenges. The indoor ceremony replaces the traditional outdoor ritual due to severe weather risks, and organisers have taken steps to keep the event secure and respectful. The flame will still travel to Italy as planned for the upcoming Winter Games.
