Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar has forecast a partly cloudy sky with haze in Puri for the next six hours. The temperature is likely to remain between 28°C and 30°C.
With lakhs of devotees gathered in Puri for Rath Yatra, the Met department has issued a special advisory. Pilgrims have been asked to remain alert during lightning and thunderstorm activity.
In case of heavy rain, lightning or strong winds, people should move to a safe and permanent shelter and wait there until conditions improve. The department has also cautioned devotees against taking shelter under trees, electric poles or temporary structures during thunderstorms.
Officials have advised pilgrims to keep monitoring official weather updates throughout the day as monsoon weather can change rapidly. Despite the cloudy conditions, humidity will remain high, so devotees are urged to stay well hydrated and carry drinking water. The Met has also asked people to wear non-slip footwear and be cautious on wet roads and slippery surfaces around the Grand Road or Bada Danda.
Elderly devotees, children and people with medical conditions have been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to rain and crowded areas.
The department has further requested people to take a sea bath only at designated and permitted locations to avoid any untoward incident.
