BEIJING, May 17 (AP) -- China is beefing up weather stations on Mount Everest to monitor global warming and prepare for an expedition that hopes to take the Olympic torch to the summit of the world's highest mountain, state media said Thursday.

Six observatories, including two that have yet to go into operation, will give detailed hourly updates on weather conditions and shorter summaries over 15 to 30 minutes, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

Wu Shihong, an official with Tibet Meteorological Bureau, was quoted as saying the stations would "provide concrete statistics to ensure a successful Olympic torch relay."

The stations will also help study long-term climate change in the area, Wu said.

The observatories are located between Base Camp at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) and an elevation of 6,200 meters (20,340 feet) above sea level, Xinhua said.