Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh nowcast warning for Puri in view of the ongoing sacred Ratha Yatra festival, cautioning pilgrims and residents about the likelihood of moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning activity over the next several hours.
According to the nowcast warning issued at 7am today, the forecast remains valid for the next six hours. For Puri, the IMD has predicted temperatures hovering between 25°C and 27°C with very high humidity levels ranging from 88% to 98%. The weather condition is expected to feature moderate rain with one or two intense spells during the next two hours, followed by light rain thereafter.
At 05:30 am, the realised temperature stood at 26.6°C with humidity reaching 98%. The city has already experienced active rain, thunder, and lightning, recording a substantial 72 mm of rainfall in the recent hours leading up to the issuance of the nowcast.
IMD has cautioned against taking shelter under trees, electric poles, or any temporary structures, which can prove dangerous during such weather.
Special care has been advised for elderly devotees, children, and individuals with medical conditions, who should avoid prolonged exposure to rain and crowded areas.
Additionally, the IMD has urged devotees to take sea baths only at designated and permitted locations and to strictly avoid bathing during high tide or rough sea conditions.
