Bulgaria experienced its first snowfall of the season early this morning, dusting the central Stara Planina mountain range and the higher elevations of the Pre-Balkan region in a delicate layer of white.
This early snowfall, which was forecasted by meteorologists, arrived in the autumnal landscape of regions like Elena, Omurtag, and other parts of the Pre-Balkan, capturing the attention of locals who shared images and videos on social media.
Although light, the snowfall has transformed these areas, creating an enchanting wintry scene.
The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) reported that the snowfall was spurred by an influx of cold, moist air from the northeast, intensified by additional moisture drawn from the Black Sea.
This weather pattern not only brought snowfall to the mountain regions but also set a tone for a predominantly cloudy day across the country.
According to NIMH, parts of the Danube Plain will see rain throughout the day, while the central Pre-Balkan regions are expected to receive a mix of rain and snow in certain areas. However, clearer skies are anticipated in some southern regions later on as the cloud cover breaks.
As temperatures hovered between 4°C and 12°C throughout the country, the northeast remained the coldest, with highs only reaching around 4-5°C.
Meanwhile, Sofia, the capital, is expected to experience milder conditions with temperatures climbing to approximately 8°C. In the southern regions, thermometers will display the warmest temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 12°C.
The mountainous areas, particularly the Central Balkan, are forecast to remain under dense cloud cover, with fog enveloping the higher peaks.
Snowfall will likely continue in these areas as the cold weather persists. On the other hand, Western Bulgaria and the Rhodope Mountains are expected to enjoy brighter conditions as the day progresses, with some areas experiencing mostly sunny weather.
A gentle to moderate wind from the north-northwest will sweep through the eastern half of the country, and by evening, a shift in wind direction to east-northeast is anticipated in northeastern Bulgaria.
In the mountains, the temperature will vary significantly with altitude. The NIMH reported that temperatures at 1,200 meters will peak around 3°C, while at the 2,000-meter mark, temperatures are likely to drop to a brisk minus 2°C, maintaining the wintry feel.
While this early snowfall may be a brief glimpse of winter for some, it highlights Bulgaria’s diverse climate as the season shifts.
Social media posts capturing the snowy mountain vistas have already garnered attention, reminding residents and tourists alike that winter is fast approaching.
For those in the lower regions, however, today’s weather will primarily consist of rain, with the notable exception of clear patches expected later in the day in the south.
With the first snowfall now documented, the country’s mountainous regions have officially begun their seasonal transformation, adding a new layer of beauty to Bulgaria’s already scenic autumn landscape.
For locals and visitors in the Pre-Balkan and Stara Planina areas, today’s snow may serve as an early preview of the wintery months ahead.