Weatherman forecasts a stormy Valentine’s Day

Heavy rain, just like the one experienced earlier this month, is likely to strike again around Valentine’s Day on Thursday, with the weatherman forecasting thunderstorms, squall, hail and a torrential downpour on the night of February 15-16.

“An active western disturbance is likely to affect North-West India from February 14 to 17, and its effects will be more pronounced over Delhi and its adjoining States. Widespread rain along with isolated heavy falls will occur with peak activity during the nights of February 15/16. Thunder squall accompanied with hailstorms is also likely,” said Meteorological Department director B.P Yadav on Wednesday.

Earlier this month, from February 4 to 6, the Capital recorded its highest rainfall in 71 years and the freak weather was attributed to western disturbances and the still-adjusting cyclonic circulation.

Since then, the grey had given way to blue, with days being marked by a perfect sun that was neither too mild nor too harsh. The wind was also perfect and the most pleasant afternoon was experienced on Wednesday with a maximum of 23.4 degrees Celsius, perfect for this time of the year. The minimum temperature of 9.5 degrees Celsius was only one degree below normal.

“The apples have been juicy, there have been strawberries everywhere and the sun has been perfect,” said an office-goer in Connaught Place.

The city had acquired a holiday-like feel to it as the citizens on the streets could be seen in colourful scarves and light sweaters instead of heavy grey and black woollens and mufflers of a drab winter.

“We have already started stocking cotton clothes in nice blues, pinks and whites and these are selling fast. Our winter wear has not been sold for many weeks now,” said a Janpath shopkeeper.

This nice weather is likely to disappear soon as the ominous fog is also likely to make its return after the foreseen rain.

“After the passage of the western disturbance, the minimum temperature will fall significantly leading to fog over plains of north-west India including Delhi from February 18 which will last about three days,” said the weatherman.