PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- The 2008 Beijing Olympics will be held two weeks later than originally planned because of concerns about intense heat and thunderstorms.

The International Olympic Committee executive board agreed Sunday to move the dates to Aug. 8-24 at Beijing's request. The games were scheduled for July 25 to Aug. 10.

The change should mean better weather conditions with less heat and humidity and a decreased risk for thunderstorms, IOC sports director Gilbert Felli said.

Beijing had asked for the dates to be changed to avoid the height of the Beijing summer, when temperatures typically reach 100 degrees.

The 2008 Games marked the first time the IOC set the competition dates before the host city was selected, Felli said.