Puri Rath Yatra 2026: As thousands of devotees arrive in Odisha’s holy city for Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for heavy rainfall in Puri. The weather warning comes amid a surge of pilgrims from several states who have gathered to witness the grand chariot festival of Lord Jagannath.
The IMD has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely not only in Puri but also in several other districts of Odisha due to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. The department has also cautioned that thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds may accompany the rain activity.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Heavy Rain Likely in Puri During Rath Yatra
According to the IMD advisory, the low-pressure area has formed under the influence of a cyclonic circulation in the upper atmosphere. The system is expected to move towards North Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal over the next two days, intensifying rainfall activity across both regions.
Puri, where the annual Rath Yatra attracts lakhs of devotees, remains under the highest level of weather warning. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as continuous rain may affect movement around the temple town and festival routes.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Thunderstorms, Lightning and Gusty Winds Expected
The IMD has forecast that several parts of Odisha may experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds. Such weather conditions could create difficulties for devotees participating in the yatra and for tourists visiting the coastal city. Officials have advised pilgrims to remain alert and avoid unnecessary exposure during periods of intense rainfall or storm activity.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Safety Advisory for Pilgrims
The weather department has issued specific safety guidelines for visitors attending the Rath Yatra.
In case of heavy rain or thunderstorms, pilgrims should take shelter inside permanent buildings and avoid:
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Standing under trees
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Taking shelter near electric poles
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Using temporary structures during lightning activity
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Remaining in open areas during severe weather conditions
Authorities have urged devotees to follow official instructions to prevent accidents and inconvenience during the festival.
Orange Alert Issued for Several Odisha Districts
Along with the Red Alert for Puri, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for several districts across Odisha where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The districts placed under the Orange Alert include Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Khurda, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Anugul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Ganjam, and Kandhamal. Authorities have warned residents and pilgrims to remain cautious as intense rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds may disrupt normal activities in these regions.
Yellow Warning for Other Districts
The IMD has also issued a Yellow Warning for several other districts where moderate to heavy rainfall is likely. The warning serves as an advisory for people to stay alert and monitor weather updates.
The districts under the Yellow Warning are Balasore, Deogarh, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Sonepur, Balangir, Nuapara, Kalahandi, Rayagada, and Gajapati. While conditions may not be as severe as in the Orange Alert areas, the weather department has advised residents to take precautions, especially during periods of lightning and strong winds.
Heavy Rainfall Already Recorded
On Tuesday, 65 mm to 107 mm of rainfall was recorded in 21 locations across districts such as Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Puri, Sambalpur, Cuttack, Kendrapara, and Jajpur. The widespread rainfall indicates that the weather system has already become active across large parts of the state.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Fishermen Warned as Coastal Conditions Deteriorate
The IMD has also advised fishermen in Odisha’s coastal regions to restrict fishing and related activities during the period of intense rainfall and adverse weather. Rough conditions over coastal waters may pose safety risks to small boats and fishing vessels.
