"Mist Unveiling: Sofia‘s Fog Set to Lift as Winds Pick Up"
Sofia has been shrouded in thick fog for four consecutive days, a phenomenon attributed to the influence of a high-pressure barrier and anticyclonic weather pattern, according to Anastasia Kirilova, a meteorologist at the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH).
But Kirilova shared some welcomed news – the fog will dissipate in the coming day. The nationwide wind speed is minimal and calm, yet in the Sofia city center, the fog lingers longest due to its low elevation of 560 meters above sea level. "This is typical winter weather for the region," she added.
The persistent fog is due to a temperature inversion, where the lower layers of the atmosphere are cooler than the higher ones. For instance, on January 1, Sofia’s temperature was -1°C, while it was 5°C at Chernoi-Vruh. This created opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts, but left Sofia city dwellers in a fog.
elsewhere in Bulgaria, like the Danube Plain, southern Bulgaria, and western Bulgaria’s basins, is also foggy, although less so than in Sofia.
"Sofia’s fog persists because it’s in a valley, and without atmospheric circulation, the temperature inversion can’t be broken," Kirilova explained. However, this will change overnight from January 3 to 4, bringing stronger winds that will clear the fog by Friday afternoon.
Following the change in weather, expect rain and snow showers. Kirilova also warned about increased pollution levels in the city due to temperature inversions that trap pollutants. While Sofia’s traffic is light and not a contributing factor, fine particles are elevated in the city, the Danube Plain, and the southern valley. Fortunately, these conditions are expected to subside by Saturday.
