Next week, Bulgaria will experience active weather patterns as atmospheric processes intensify across the Balkan Peninsula. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) forecasts mostly cloudy conditions with widespread precipitation, and by midweek, Mediterranean cyclones moving south of the country are expected to bring significant rainfall in many areas, particularly in the Rila-Rhodope region and the Fore-Balkans, where totals could exceed monthly averages.
Over the next 24 hours, clouds will dominate the country, with rain most intense in mountainous areas. Northeastern winds will weaken overnight, and in many regions, calm conditions are expected.
Monday will see a return of weak to moderate northeastern winds, gradually shifting to west-northwest in western Bulgaria. Minimum temperatures will range from 8C to 13C, around 10C in Sofia. Maximum daytime temperatures will reach 15C to 20C, with Sofia seeing around 15C. In the mountains, rainfall will continue, locally heavy, with winds from the west-northwest. Temperatures will reach 9C at 1,200 meters and 3C at 2,000 meters. Along the Black Sea coast, skies will remain mostly cloudy with light rain, especially in the northern and southern extremes, while winds from the east-northeast will be light to moderate. Maximum coastal temperatures will range from 14C to 17C, with seawater around 22?23C and waves near 3 points.
Sunrise in Sofia is at 7:22 a.m., with sunset at 7:11 p.m., giving a day length of 11 hours and 49 minutes. The moon rises at 2:59 p.m. and sets at 11:15 p.m., one day shy of the first quarter.
Tuesday and Wednesday will bring continued significant cloud cover over most of the country, though rain will be limited to isolated mountainous spots. Winds will temporarily shift from the north-northwest, with moderate strength in the Danube plain. Daytime temperatures will rise slightly, exceeding 20C in some locations, while morning lows will drop to 4?9C, particularly in valleys and areas with clear skies overnight.
Thursday marks the start of precipitation from the southwest, with snowfall above 1,800 meters. By evening, snow and rain will cover much of Bulgaria, with locally heavy amounts. Northeastern winds will strengthen once more. Daytime temperatures will vary widely, from 8?10C in Northwestern Bulgaria and high plains to 18?20C in the southeast and along the Black Sea coast.
Friday and Saturday will remain cloudy with widespread rain, and snow is expected in the mountains above 1,200 meters, with significant accumulation in some areas. Northeasterly winds will be moderate, reaching strong levels in Eastern Bulgaria. Temperatures will remain fairly steady, ranging from 6?11C in the west and central regions to 14?18C in the east.
By Sunday, precipitation will cease, beginning in the east and south, and skies will gradually clear. Winds will weaken and shift to the southeast, while temperatures are expected to rise noticeably across the country.
Source:National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH)
