Delhi has remained dry for the last 2 weeks. After having the wet spell at the start of the month, there has been a lull. Otherwise, February is the rainiest winter month with a fair amount of rainy days. The absence of rains has led to a rise in the day temperatures. Changes in the wind pattern also triggered a rise in mercury levels, both day and night. Yesterday, the maximum temperature of 29.7°C was the highest of this season so far and also 5°C above the normal. The morning temperature was 14.1°C, about 4°C above the average. Most parts of DLH/NCR made similar recordings of temperatures.
The twist in the weather conditions is likely, commencing anytime soon. Rain and thundershowers are likely till 22nd Feb. The Start of the wet spell may be very mild this evening and pick up late at night. Similar conditions are expected tomorrow. Most of the weather activity will be in the late night or morning hours. Fleeting showers are expected to continue for the subsequent 2 days, on the 21st and 22nd Feb. Spell of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds can not be ruled out.
An active western disturbance is moving across the northern mountains, triggering heavy weather activity. An induced cyclonic circulation is marked over North Punjab and adjoining areas. An east-west trough extends from this system, reaching in close proximity to Delhi. Otherwise, the national capital remains on the outer fringes of the main system. Accordingly, DLH/NCR will have short spells of weather with sufficient breaks, in between.
With the persistent clouds, change of winds and scattered showers, the temperature profile will fluctuate. Though the day temperatures will drop, these will stay around normal in the mid-twenties. Also, the minimum temperatures will gradually dip to come in low double digits in the next 2-3 days. As the weather system clears on 22nd Feb or so, the minimum temperatures may drop once again. As a result of snow in the hills and rains in the plains, cold winds may sweep down the slopes of snow-clad mountains and penetrate across the plains of Punjab and Haryana, to reach the outer posts of DLH/NCR. The night temperatures will slip once again to single digits, 23rd Feb onward.