Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department’s Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued a fresh nowcast warning for Puri in view of the ongoing sacred Ratha Yatra. The department has cautioned lakhs of devotees about cloudy skies accompanied by intermittent moderate rain and light thunder over the next six hours.
According to the bulletin issued at 07:00 am today, the temperature in Puri is likely to remain between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius with very high humidity ranging from 90 to 98 per cent. The weather condition is expected to remain generally cloudy with spells of moderate rain and occasional light thunder. The realized temperature at 05:30 am was 26.8 degrees Celsius and humidity stood at 93 per cent.
The IMD has issued detailed safety advisories for pilgrims participating in the Ratha Yatra. Devotees have been asked to remain alert during lightning and thunderstorm activity. In the event of heavy rain, lightning, or strong winds, they should immediately move to a safe and permanent shelter and avoid taking shelter under trees, electric poles, or any temporary structures.
The elderly, children, and people with medical conditions have been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to rain and crowded areas. Pilgrims should wear non-slip footwear, remain cautious on wet and slippery surfaces especially around the Grand Road (Bada Danda), and keep their mobile phones charged for regular weather updates.
Further, devotees have been requested to protect their mobile phones, valuables, and important documents in waterproof bags. Sea bathing should be undertaken only at designated and permitted locations, and must be avoided during high tide or rough sea conditions.
