Bhubaneswar: Devotees attending this year’s Rath Yatra in Puri may witness a rain-soaked celebration, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread rainfall across Odisha from Monday. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has predicted that the wet spell will continue till July 17, with several districts likely to experience heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning.
The weather forecast comes as lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad are expected to gather in Puri for the world-famous Rath Yatra. The administration is closely monitoring the evolving weather conditions to ensure the safety of pilgrims and the smooth conduct of the annual festival.
IMD Issues Yellow Warning for 20 Districts
The IMD has issued a yellow warning for 20 districts of Odisha, warning of heavy rainfall at one or two places along with thunderstorms and lightning. Weather officials said the active monsoon conditions are expected to intensify rainfall activity across both coastal and interior parts of the state over the coming days.
Districts likely to receive heavy rainfall include:
- Bargarh
- Sambalpur
- Jharsuguda
- Sundargarh
- Keonjhar
- Mayurbhanj
- Balasore
- Bhadrak
- Kendrapara
- Kandhamal
- Kalahandi
- Rayagada
In addition, the IMD has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in several other districts, including Jajpur, Cuttack, Puri, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati. Gusty winds may also accompany thunderstorm activity in isolated areas.
Rain May Impact Rath Yatra Arrangements
The forecast has assumed significance as preparations for the Rath Yatra enter their final phase. Lakhs of devotees are expected to line the Grand Road (Bada Danda) in Puri to witness the ceremonial pulling of the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
Continuous rainfall could affect crowd movement, traffic management, parking arrangements and other logistical operations. However, officials have stated that elaborate contingency plans have already been put in place to deal with adverse weather conditions during the festival.
The district administration, police, disaster response teams and civic authorities are expected to remain on high alert throughout the event to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees.
IMD Advises Public to Remain Vigilant
The weather department has advised residents and visitors to exercise caution during periods of thunderstorms and lightning. People have been urged to avoid open fields, water bodies and taking shelter under trees during lightning activity.
Pilgrims travelling to Puri have also been advised to keep track of the latest weather updates and follow instructions issued by local authorities. Emergency response teams remain on standby to respond swiftly to any weather-related incidents.
Monsoon Expected to Remain Active
Meteorologists said the southwest monsoon remains active over Odisha, and favourable atmospheric conditions are expected to sustain rainfall activity across the state until at least July 17. While the showers are likely to provide relief from high temperatures, they may also lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas and temporary disruptions in normal life in some districts.
The IMD has said it will continue to monitor the evolving weather system and issue updated forecasts and warnings as required.
