As Bulgaria bids farewell to the intense heat wave that has gripped the country in recent days, a dramatic shift in weather is on the horizon for the upcoming weekend.
According to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH), Saturday, September 28, will see a continuation of the warm, sunny conditions experienced earlier in the week, but the pleasant weather will be short-lived.
A cold front is set to sweep across the country, bringing cooler temperatures, thunderstorms, and substantial rainfall to much of the region by Sunday.
Sunny Start to the Weekend
Saturday is expected to start off sunny and warm, with temperatures resembling the recent heat wave. NIMH forecasts minimum temperatures in the early morning to range from 11° to 16°C, gradually rising to maximums between 29° and 34°C throughout the day.
While much of the country will enjoy clear skies, Eastern Bulgaria may see some low cloud cover and morning fog, particularly in coastal areas.
However, this fog is expected to lift by mid-morning, giving way to sunny conditions. A light to moderate southeast wind will accompany the warm weather, while atmospheric pressure will be lower than the monthly average, decreasing further as the day progresses.
Along the Black Sea coast, the weather is forecast to be mostly sunny as well, but morning fog and low clouds may affect visibility for a few hours.
Maximum temperatures along the coast will range from 23° to 25°C, slightly cooler than the inland regions. Sea water temperatures will hover around 22°-23°C, providing an ideal environment for late-season swimmers. Wave heights are expected to remain moderate, with winds blowing from the southeast at 2-3 knots.
Ideal Weather for Mountain Treks
Mountain areas will also enjoy sunny skies on Saturday, making it a perfect day for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The NIMH predicts light to moderate winds blowing from the west-southwest, with temperatures reaching comfortable levels.
At an altitude of 1,200 meters, maximum temperatures will reach around 26°C, while at higher altitudes of 2,000 meters, temperatures will be approximately 18°C. Clear skies will offer exceptional visibility, making it an excellent day for outdoor activities.
Sunday Brings a Dramatic Change
The calm, warm weather will come to an abrupt end on Sunday, September 29, as a cold front sweeps through Bulgaria, particularly impacting the western and northern regions. Winds will shift to the northwest and strengthen, bringing a notable drop in temperatures and rapid cloud formation.
By midday on Sunday, significant weather changes are expected, with brief thunderstorms and heavy downpours forecast in many areas. The most substantial rainfall will be in Western and Northern Bulgaria, where localized flooding could occur due to the intensity of the storms.
“The transition will be sudden and intense,” warned meteorologists from NIMH. “The cooler air will move in quickly, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures, particularly in the western regions.”
The cold front will cause temperatures to plummet significantly by the afternoon. In the western parts of the country, temperatures are expected to fall to between 16° and 18°C, a dramatic contrast to the high 20s and low 30s seen on Saturday. In contrast, the Upper Thracian lowland will remain slightly warmer, with temperatures still reaching between 28° and 30°C.
Evening Storms Move East
As the day progresses, the weather system will move eastward, spreading rainfall into the central and eastern regions by late afternoon and evening. Winds will shift briefly from the north-northeast, intensifying the cooler conditions in these areas.
The storms are likely to be accompanied by strong winds and potentially hail in some areas, making for hazardous travel conditions. Authorities are advising residents to take precautions, particularly in flood-prone areas, and to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during the peak of the storm.
By Sunday evening, temperatures will continue to drop, and widespread rainfall is expected, particularly in Central North and North-Eastern Bulgaria. The precipitation will likely be heaviest overnight, with some areas experiencing significant rainfall totals, leading to the possibility of localized flooding.
Monday: Gradual Improvement
Despite the unsettled weather on Sunday, conditions are expected to gradually improve from the west by Monday morning.
However, Central North and North-Eastern Bulgaria could still see some lingering rainfall during the day, with conditions finally clearing later in the evening. The cooler air brought in by the cold front is expected to remain, keeping temperatures much lower than the highs of the previous week.
Authorities Advise Caution
In anticipation of the abrupt weather changes, local authorities have issued advisories urging residents to remain cautious, particularly in areas prone to flooding. Drivers are encouraged to exercise care on the roads, as heavy rainfall and strong winds could lead to dangerous driving conditions.
As the heat wave gives way to a much-needed cooldown, Bulgaria will experience a dramatic shift in weather over the weekend. While Saturday offers one last taste of summer warmth, Sunday’s storms will remind the nation that autumn is firmly on its way, bringing with it cooler temperatures and unsettled conditions for the week ahead.