NEW DELHI, Feb. 12 -- As the northern plains brace themselves for rain and snow (and hail) later this week (between February 13 and 15) and, potentially, early next week (February 18), both on account of western disturbances, scientists at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) are surprised by the number and intensity of these weather phenomena - storms with cold air at their core that originate in the Mediterranean region and bring rain to north and northwestern India....