Two models, hosting a late-night weather forecast programme on a Chinese television show, have been forced to cover themselves up after they drew sharp reactions from viewers for being bikini-clad.

The Guangdong TV was trying to promote its bikini contest to be held after the ongoing Euro 2012 football championship, 'Shanghai Daily' reported.

On Saturday, when two young women contestants of the bikini competition, to be organised by Guangdong TV, came in their skimpy swimsuits to present the weather forecast, it invited immediate online reactions.

Some viewers in Guangdong province, who had tuned in to watch the Euro 2012 soccer tournament but instead came across the girls telling about weather conditions at the stadiums, said they were "dressed too sexy".

The Europa Weather Forecast, a minute-long programme, is being screened at 11.15 pm everyday since last Saturday.

"What a low-taste show," said one of the microbloggers. "There's nothing wrong with wearing bikinis, but not in a TV programme available to everyone, including children."

Some viewers, however, welcomed the programme, praising it as "innovative".

"Of course I strongly support the TV station for presenting such an unprecedented programme to entertain us," a viewer commented on Weibo. "It would be better if they chose some better looking girls."