Cloudy skies and unsettled weather are set to dominate Bulgaria in the coming week, as the country transitions from mild, rainy conditions toward a colder, more wintry pattern. According to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH), fog, rain and later snow will affect large parts of the country, particularly in northern and eastern regions.
At the start of the week, cloud cover will be widespread, with persistent fog expected in several low-lying areas. Rain showers are forecast mainly for the eastern half of the country, while Southwestern Bulgaria will enjoy relatively sunnier intervals, especially in higher terrain. However, valleys and plains even in the southwest may see localized fog during the morning hours.
Winds will generally remain light across most regions, contributing to the damp and gloomy feel. Along the Black Sea coast, however, a gentle to moderate north-northeast breeze is expected, keeping conditions cooler but relatively stable. Daytime temperatures will range between 4° and 9° in most areas, rising to around 12° in coastal zones and the far southwest. In the capital Sofia, highs will hover near 7°.
Mountain regions will see contrasting conditions depending on location. The southwestern massifs are forecast to enjoy mostly sunny weather, while the rest of the country’s mountain ranges remain under thicker cloud cover. Rain is likely in the Eastern Stara Planina and Strandzha Mountains, adding to already wet conditions.
In higher elevations, winds will be light from the north-northwest, and temperatures will remain modest. At around 1,200 meters, thermometers are expected to show close to 5°, while at 2,000 meters, temperatures will drop to approximately 1°. These values suggest that, for now, precipitation in most mountain areas will remain rain rather than snow.
Along the Black Sea coast, light rain is possible in several locations throughout the week. Maximum air temperatures will range from 10° to 12°, while sea water temperatures will remain between 11° and 13°. Sea conditions are expected to be relatively calm, with waves measuring 2 to 3 points.
As the new week progresses, cloudy conditions will persist nationwide. Rainfall is expected to intensify on Wednesday, marking the wettest day of the week. On other days, showers will be lighter and more scattered, offering only brief breaks from the overcast skies.
Wind directions will also evolve. Northeasterly winds on Monday will gradually shift to east-southeast on Tuesday and Wednesday, transporting milder but moisture-laden air. Overnight temperatures during this period will range between minus 2° and 3°, while daytime highs will remain subdued, generally between 5° and 10°.
A significant change is forecast late Wednesday into Thursday, when winds turn northerly and colder air masses move into the region. This shift will lead to a noticeable drop in temperatures across much of the country, narrowing the gap between daytime highs and nighttime lows.
On Thursday and Friday, rain will increasingly turn to snow in several areas. Snowfall is expected in northeastern Bulgaria, the Fore-Balkans and the high plains of Western Bulgaria on Thursday, before spreading to Strandzha on Friday. While Thursday’s precipitation is forecast to be light and localized, Friday could bring heavier snowfall to parts of Eastern Bulgaria.
By Saturday, skies are expected to remain mostly cloudy, but precipitation will be limited. Winds will strengthen from the northeast, becoming moderate to strong in some areas. Despite the colder air, daytime temperatures are forecast to rise slightly, offering a brief stabilization after the week’s sharp cooling trend.
Overall, the week ahead will highlight Bulgaria’s gradual transition into winter, moving from mild, rainy conditions toward colder weather with snow, particularly in northern and eastern regions.