Rainfall is set to continue across Odisha over the next two days under the influence of an active cyclonic circulation, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy showers, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across several parts of the state. The weather conditions are expected to mirror those witnessed during the Shree Gundicha Yatra, raising the possibility of wet conditions during the Bahuda Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra in Puri.
In view of the forecast, the Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, has issued a Yellow Warning for multiple districts, urging residents and devotees participating in the annual Rath Yatra festivities to remain cautious.
Yellow Warning Issued For 20 Districts
According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in several districts on Tuesday. Districts under the Yellow Warning for heavy rain include:
- Jagatsinghpur
- Kendrapara
- Cuttack
- Dhenkanal
- Jajpur
- Mayurbhanj
- Keonjhar
- Sundargarh
Several other districts are also expected to receive light to moderate rainfall as the weather system remains active over the region.
Thunderstorm And Lightning Alert
Apart from heavy rainfall, the weather department has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speeds ranging between 30 kmph and 40 kmph in 12 districts.
The affected districts are:
- Gajapati
- Ganjam
- Nayagarh
- Khordha
- Puri
- Angul
- Deogarh
- Sambalpur
- Jharsuguda
- Bargarh
- Balasore
- Bhadrak
Residents have been advised to avoid open fields, refrain from taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms, and follow advisories issued by local authorities.
Heavy Rain To Continue In Northern And Coastal Odisha
The IMD has forecast that northern and coastal Odisha will continue to experience heavy rainfall through Tuesday and Wednesday.
Among the districts expected to witness the most intense rainfall are:
- Sundargarh
- Keonjhar
- Mayurbhanj
The weather office has maintained the Yellow Warning for these regions, citing the possibility of isolated heavy downpours.
Coastal Districts May Witness Strong Winds
The weather office has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds in several coastal districts, including:
- Gajapati
- Ganjam
- Nayagarh
- Khordha
- Puri
- Cuttack
- Kendrapara
- Jagatsinghpur
- Jajpur
- Bhadrak
- Balasore
Wind speeds in these areas are expected to reach 40–50 kmph at isolated places, prompting authorities to advise fishermen and residents to remain vigilant.
IMD Forecast For The Coming Week
Speaking on the evolving weather conditions, Manorama Mohanty, Director, IMD Bhubaneswar, said that rainfall activity is likely to continue across Odisha over the next seven days.
She said that while light to moderate rainfall is expected in many parts of the state, isolated locations could receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh.
She further stated that several coastal districts are likely to witness rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, with wind speeds potentially reaching 40–50 kmph.
Advisory For Devotees During Bahuda Yatra
With lakhs of devotees expected to gather in Puri for the Bahuda Yatra, authorities are closely monitoring the weather situation. Pilgrims have been advised to carry rain protection, stay updated with official weather advisories, and cooperate with local administration and emergency services if weather conditions deteriorate during the festival.
The IMD will continue to monitor the cyclonic circulation and issue further updates as required.
