Amid all the grand celebrations of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts across several districts in the state.

The warning is issued for torrential rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, winds, and possible hailstorms for the next seven days.Reason behind According to the IMD, a low-pressure system is expected to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal by Sunday, It is triggered by an existing cyclonic circulation over Southwest Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal. This weather system is likely to move inland, affecting large parts of northern Odisha and neighbouring Jharkhand, and bringing sustained rain through July 4.Alerts Across OdishaOrange alert which means be ready: IMD has issued an orange alert for 16 districts including Keonjhar, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Khordha, Ganjam, and Puri, among others. These regions can expect very heavy rainfall (64.5 mm to 115.5 mm) along with thunderstorms and wind.Yellow alert which means be aware: IMD has a yellow alert for Kendrapada, Jajpur, Angul, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Boudh, Balangir, and Kalahandi. These regions can get moderate to heavy showers accompanied with lightning.

In addition, the coastal districts have also been cautioned about rough sea conditions. Local authorities have advised fishermen to suspend operations through midweek.Jagannath Rath Yatra might get affected

The Jagannath Rath Yatra, which is among the most important religious festivals in the country. The festival takes place every year in Puri and the event is attended by lakhs of devotees from across the globe.

These devotees pull huge wooden chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through the streets. But with the current weather condition, officials fear disruptions to the festivities as it might cause slippery roads and flooded lanes, among other problems.

The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has been placed on alert. They have been asked to keep drainage systems clear to prevent flooding along with setting up emergency shelters. Quick-response teams in high-risk regions are also asked to be placed in case an emergency arrives.The IMD has urged local authorities and residents along the system's path to remain aware and ready for potentially severe weather conditions.