Title: Expert Predicts Unprecedented Warmth in 2023, Bulgaria Braces for Snow in January
Bulgarian climatologist Georgi Raichev has forecasted a precedent-breaking warm start to the new year, both for Bulgaria and possibly on a global scale. In an interview with BTV, Raichev stated that the European Climate Observatory "Copernicus" has reported a high likelihood of 2023 being more than 1.5°C warmer than the pre-industrial average.
Raichev predicts at least a week of stable, high-pressure, and sunny weather, with temperatures ranging from -4°C to 5°C in the mornings and favorable conditions later in the day. The warmest days are expected to be from Sunday to Tuesday, with temperatures peaking on New Year’s Day, marking the warmest January 1st in recent years.
"We’ve just emerged from a week with heavy snowfall, with some areas receiving over 100 liters of precipitation per square meter," Raichev noted. "If this snow melts, it will significantly contribute to Bulgaria’s water reserves, beneficial for reservoirs but challenging for road safety."
In the meantime, warmer temperatures are expected for Bulgaria’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, with positive temperatures forecast across most of the country. Raichev also hinted at an exciting weather phenomenon expected around Epiphany (January 6): a Mediterranean storm clashing with high-pressure systems over Bulgaria, potentially bringing snow to the entire country.
This forecast follows a year marked by extreme weather events worldwide, highlighting the growing urgency to address climate change.
