Bhubaneswar: Even as lakhs of devotees gear up to throng Puri for the annual Rath Yatra on Friday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued ‘Orange’ and ‘Yellow’ warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms with lightning across several districts of Odisha over the next 24 hours.
According to the IMD’s midday bulletin, gusty surface winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, are very likely at one or two places in multiple regions, including Puri, where the Rath Yatra will take place amid tight security and elaborate preparations.
The IMD has issued a Yellow Warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms in the districts of Bargarh, Nuapada, Angul, Dhenkanal, Deogarh, Mayurbhanj, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, and Kandhamal within the next 24 hours.
Additionally, similar weather conditions are expected in the coastal and interior districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati during this period.
For June 27, the IMD has again flagged a Yellow Warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms in parts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda. Thunderstorm activity, along with gusty winds, is also very likely over coastal districts including Puri, raising concerns about potential disruptions during the festivities.
Looking ahead, the weather department has warned of continued heavy rainfall across Odisha from June 29 to July 3.
With the Rath Yatra drawing massive crowds from across the country and abroad, the weather warning has prompted authorities to remain on high alert. Measures are being taken to ensure that rain-related disruptions do not hamper the grand chariot festival.
