The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow warning for Puri district, forecasting thunderstorm activity with lightning and gusty surface wind on Saturday.
According to the evening weather bulletin issued at 6:40 PM IST on May 16, 2026, light to moderate rain or thundershower is likely at a few places over Puri and several other districts of Odisha. For Puri, the key concern is thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty wind reaching 40-50 kmph.
The warning is valid up to 8:30 AM IST on May 17, 2026.
Puri has been included among the districts where thunderstorms with lightning and gusty surface wind are very likely at one or two places. The alert is significant for residents, tourists, devotees visiting the Jagannath Temple area, and people travelling through open or coastal stretches.
The Met bulletin also mentioned that the southwest monsoon has advanced into more parts of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Maldives-Comorin region and parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Conditions remain favourable for further monsoon advancement over parts of the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea during the next 3-4 days.
The southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala around May 26, with a possible variation of four days, according to the forecast.
People in Puri should remain cautious during thunderstorm activity, avoid open fields and coastal exposed areas, not take shelter under trees, and keep track of official weather updates before planning travel or outdoor work.