Low-Pressure Area Triggers Heavy Rain Across Odisha; Showers Likely During Puri Rath Yatra

A low-pressure area has formed over the north Bay of Bengal and is currently active over north Odisha and adjoining West Bengal, bringing widespread rainfall across the state. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is likely to move northwestwards and intensify further over the next two days.

The weather system, coupled with an upper-air cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and tilting southwestwards with height, has led to persistent rain in several districts of Odisha.

Meanwhile, rain continued in Puri on Wednesday, a day before the world-famous Rath Yatra, even as the ceremonial Agyanmala ritual was performed for the three chariots amid light showers.

Agyanmala Ritual Completed Amid Rain

Following the completion of the Gopal Ballav and Sakala Dhupa rituals, the sacred Agyanmala from the deities was ceremonially placed on the three chariots by the designated temple servitors.

As per tradition, the chariots are moved from the Rath Khala to the Singhadwara after the Agyanmala ritual. The three chariots are being pulled to the front of the Shree Jagannath Temple, where they will take their final position facing north in preparation for Thursday’s Gundicha Yatra.

Heavy Rain to Continue Till July 18

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, rainfall activity is expected to continue across Odisha until July 18.

For Puri district, heavy rainfall is forecast for both Wednesday and Thursday. While the district has been placed under a Red Warning for Wednesday due to the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall, a Yellow Warning has been issued for Thursday, when the annual Rath Yatra will be held.

Red and Orange Alerts Issued

For Wednesday, the IMD has issued a Red Warning for Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall.

An Orange Warning has been issued for Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Boudh, Kandhamal, Khordha, Nayagarh, and Ganjam districts.

Rain Likely During Rath Yatra

The IMD has forecast continued rainfall on Thursday, coinciding with the Rath Yatra celebrations.

An Orange Warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall has been issued for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj.

A Yellow Warning for heavy rainfall has been issued for Balasore, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Bargarh, Dhenkanal, Sonepur, Boudh, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh districts.

Fishermen Advised Not to Venture Into the Sea

The low-pressure system is expected to keep the sea rough along the Odisha coast. Wind speeds of 40–50 kmph are likely over coastal areas.

In view of the adverse sea conditions, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along the Odisha coast until July 17. Authorities have urged those already at sea to return to the coast at the earliest and advised the public to remain alert as heavy rainfall may lead to waterlogging and localized flooding in vulnerable areas.