Bhubaneswar: An active weather system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified, triggering widespread and heavy monsoon downpours across Odisha and threatening to disrupt major regional celebrations, most notably the world-famous Rath Jatra festival in Puri.
According to officials at the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, a persistent low-pressure system over the Northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining North Odisha and West Bengal coasts has developed into a well-marked low-pressure area. This active setup is accompanied by a robust upper-air cyclonic circulation reaching altitudes of up to 7.6 kilometers, which is expected to move slowly in a northwestward direction over the next forty-eight hours.
The immediate fallout of this atmospheric development has been intense, continuous rainfall across coastal and interior Odisha. The pilgrim town of Puri, currently bustling with lakhs of devotees gathered for the annual Rath Jatra, is bearing the brunt of the wet spell. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red warning for Puri and neighboring Jagatsinghpur districts, advising residents and local authorities to take immediate action against extremely heavy rainfall.
Puri town recorded a staggering 143.8 mm of rain within a twenty-four-hour window, leading to significant waterlogging along the Grand Road, the main thoroughfare directly in front of the Lord Jagannath Temple where the massive chariots are scheduled to be pulled. To combat the rising waters and keep the path clear for pilgrims and chariots, state fire service personnel have been deployed with high-capacity pumps to drain out water from vulnerable, low-lying points.
Due to the persistent downpours and the risk of localized flooding, the Puri district administration ordered the closure of all educational institutions, including private schools. Additionally, weather officials have issued a specialized daytime advisory for pilgrims, urging them to remain highly vigilant against sudden lightning and thunderstorms. Devotees, particularly children, the elderly, and those with underlying medical conditions, are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the heavy rains and crowded outdoor areas, and to seek shelter in permanent concrete buildings rather than temporary structures or trees when lightning occurs.
Beyond the coastal belt of Puri, the heavy monsoon phase is making its presence felt deep inside the state. Areas like Banki in Cuttack district have reported substantial rainfall, while regions such as Derabis and Pattamundai in Kendrapara district have clocked upwards of 129 mm to 135 mm of rain. An orange warning has been issued for a broad band of districts including Khurda, Cuttack, Ganjam, Nayagarh, and Mayurbhanj, signaling that these areas should remain prepared for localized flooding, traffic disruptions, and temporary waterlogging.
Along the coastline, sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough, characterized by high waves and strong, squally winds. Consequently, state officials and meteorologists have issued strict safety warnings for the seafaring community, strongly advising fishermen to avoid venturing along and off the Odisha coast through the end of the week. State emergency teams remain on standby as the low-pressure system continues its slow trek inland.