Bulgaria Braces for Winter Weather: Snow and Chilly Temps Expected Over Holidays
Marking the run-up to Christmas, Bulgaria is preparing for a cold snap, with snowfall and chilliness set to dominate, while New Year’s Eve will bring clear skies with minimal cloud cover, according to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology’s (NIMH) weekly forecast from December 25 to 30. The forecast was prepared by on-duty meteorologist Anastasia Stoicheva.
Christmas Eve: Snow and Rain Expected
December 24 will see cloudy skies, with rain expected in many areas. The higher elevations of Western Bulgaria may experience snow, while the Predbalkan area will see a mix of rain and snow. Overnight and into the morning, northern and northwestern regions may see frosty conditions. Significant precipitation is expected in eastern regions. Winds in western and central parts will primarily blow from the west-northwest and be mostly moderate, while in Eastern Bulgaria, winds will come from the east, also moderate, and occasionally strong. Minimum temperatures will range between -1°C and 4°C, with Sofia around -1°C, and maximum temperatures between 1°C and 6°C in most places, reaching up to 10°C-13°C in Eastern Bulgaria, and around 1°C in Sofia.
Yellow Weather Warning: Heavy Rain and Snow Expected
A yellow warning for potentially hazardous weather, with heavy rain and snow, and strong winds has been issued for parts of the country. Significant snowfall is expected in Vidin, Montana, and Vratsa. Heavy rain is forecast for Silistra, Razgrad, Shumen, Sliven, and Yambol, while strong winds are expected in Dobrich, Varna, Burgas, Silistra, Shumen, and Razgrad in Eastern Bulgaria.
Mountains and Black Sea Coast: Snow and Strong Winds
In the mountains, expect cloudy skies and snowfall. Higher elevations will experience moderate and strong winds from the south-southwest. Temperatures at 1,200 meters will reach about 1°C, and at 2,000 meters, around -2°C. Along the Black Sea coast, expect cloudy skies with rain, heavier in the northern section. Moderate and occasionally strong winds from the east will persist. Maximum temperatures will range between 10°C and 13°C, with sea water temperatures between 9°C and 11°C. Sea waves will be 3-4 meters high.
Next Few Days: Worsening Weather Conditions
Over the following three days, weather conditions will worsen. Snow and rain will continue, with significant amounts expected in Central and Northern Bulgaria, Western Predbalkan, and the Rodope Mountains, with snow expected in higher elevated areas of Western Bulgaria. There will be conditions favorable for ice and sleet. In the rest of the country, rain is expected, which will turn to snow by Friday, December 27, due to the continuing cold snap, though precipitation should decrease in intensity and coverage.
Weekend: Clear Skies and Cold Temperatures
On Saturday, December 28, and Sunday, December 29, expect clear skies with no significant precipitation, though skies may begin to clear more significantly on the second day. Winds will persist from the north-northeast, but will weaken, and in the eastern half of the country, winds will primarily be moderate. Temperatures will remain cold, with minimum temperatures in some areas dropping to -10°C or below, and daily highs remaining below zero in certain parts of the country.
Beginning of January: Mostly Sunny, Still Cold
The first days of the new year will bring mostly sunny weather, but temperatures will still be quite cold, with overnight lows dropping to -12°C in some northern and inland areas, though daily highs will rise.
