Fresh rain may dampen Odisha’s Rath Yatra preparations, with weather models indicating the formation of a new low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.
According to meteorological forecasts, a cyclonic circulation is likely to develop around July 14 or 15 over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Odisha-West Bengal coast. If it intensifies into a low-pressure system, rainfall across the state is expected to increase from July 13, with several districts likely to receive moderate to heavy showers.
For the next three days, light to moderate rain is expected in parts of interior and coastal Odisha. The Regional Meteorological Centre has also warned of thunderstorms with lightning in districts including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Boudh, Deogarh, Balasore, Bhadrak and Jharsuguda. Wind speeds of 30 to 40 kmph may accompany these thunderstorm activities.
Officials have advised residents to remain cautious during lightning and avoid taking shelter under trees or venturing into open areas. The warning comes at a sensitive time, as Odisha prepares for the grand Rath Yatra, one of the state’s biggest religious and cultural events.
The changing weather could affect movement, traffic, and crowd management during the festival period. Authorities are therefore closely monitoring the evolving system to assess its possible impact on the pilgrimage and other public arrangements.
Meanwhile, floodwater released from Hirakud Dam through 10 gates on Thursday is not expected to cause any immediate threat downstream. Water levels in several rivers have started receding as rainfall eased in recent days, though officials continue to track the developing weather pattern.
