Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday forecast cloudy skies accompanied by light to moderate rain in Puri during the ongoing Rath Yatra and advised devotees to remain alert in view of possible lightning and thunderstorm activity.
In a special nowcast weather bulletin issued at 4 pm in connection with the annual Rath Yatra, the Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, said the forecast would remain valid for the next six hours.
According to the bulletin, Puri is expected to witness temperatures between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius with relative humidity ranging from 92 to 97 per cent. The weather is likely to remain cloudy with intermittent light to moderate rainfall during the period.
The weather office said that at 2.30 pm, Puri recorded a temperature of 27.2 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 94 per cent. The town had already received 6 mm of rainfall between 8.30 am and 2.30 pm, while rainy conditions prevailed.
Issuing a public advisory, the IMD urged pilgrims to remain vigilant during lightning and thunderstorm activity and immediately move to safe shelters if heavy rain, lightning or strong winds occur. It advised people to avoid taking shelter under trees, electric poles and temporary structures during adverse weather.
The IMD also asked devotees to monitor official weather updates throughout the day, wear non-slip footwear while walking on wet and slippery roads around the Grand Road, keep mobile phones charged, and protect valuables and important documents in waterproof bags.
The advisory further urged elderly people, children and those with medical conditions to avoid prolonged exposure to rain, use only designated bathing locations, and refrain from bathing in the sea during high tide or rough weather conditions.
