The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall across Odisha as a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify. Devotees in Puri are advised to take precautions during the ongoing Rath Yatra.

Key Takeaways

  • A low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a well-marked area within 12 hours.
  • Heavy rainfall is predicted for several districts, including Puri, Cuttack, and Mayurbhanj.
  • IMD has issued safety advisories for pilgrims in Puri amidst the Rath Yatra festivities.
  • Cuttack's Banki recorded a massive 210 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a significant weather bulletin on Thursday, July 16, 2026, forecasting intensified rainfall across several parts of Odisha. A low-pressure system currently situated over the Bay of Bengal is projected to strengthen into a well-marked low-pressure area, moving northwestward across northern Odisha and the Gangetic belts of West Bengal over the next 12 hours.

Widespread Rainfall Forecast

The impending weather system is expected to trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall across a vast stretch of the state. According to the official forecast, districts including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Khurda, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Bargarh, Sonepur, and Boudh are under high alert. Recent data indicates the severity of the monsoon, with Banki in the Cuttack district recording a staggering 210 mm of rainfall in the preceding 24 hours.

Safety Measures for Rath Yatra Pilgrims

The timing of this weather system coincides with the auspicious Rath Yatra in the holy town of Puri. As lakhs of devotees gather to witness the ceremonial 'Pahandi' ritual of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, the weather poses a significant challenge. Manorama Mohanty, Director of the IMD Bhubaneswar Centre, emphasized that rainfall activity in Puri is expected to persist. She issued a stern advisory to pilgrims: in the event of lightning or thunderstorms, devotees must seek shelter under permanent structures and strictly avoid standing under trees, electric poles, or temporary sheds.

Implications of Monsoon Intensity

The intensification of low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal is a recurring phenomenon that dictates the monsoon's rhythm in Eastern India. While such systems are vital for replenishing groundwater and supporting agriculture, they simultaneously increase the risk of flash floods and urban inundation. Local authorities are urged to remain vigilant to mitigate any potential loss of life or property during this period of intense atmospheric activity.