Bhubaneswar, June 25(OT Webdesk): This year’s Rath Yatra festivities across Odisha may face wet and turbulent skies, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rains and thunderstorms from June 25 to 28.
A cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is poised to trigger widespread rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds.
- Orange Alert (Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall): Districts: Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Balasore Conditions: Rainfall with wind speeds of 30–40 km/h Risks: Waterlogging, flash flooding, and storm damage
- Yellow Alert on Rath Yatra Day (June 25): Likely in 17 districts, including Puri, Cuttack, Khordha, Ganjam, and Bhadrak. Thunderstorms with strong gusts and heavy rain are expected.
- Alert Continuation on June 26: Yellow alert holds in 17 districts while Orange alert persists in northern Odisha.
The IMD has urged district administrations to brace for potential disruptions.
In Puri, where thousands gather to witness the sacred chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, precautionary measures have been intensified to ensure safety and crowd control.
