SOFIA — Bulgaria is set to experience unseasonably warm weather in the coming days, with temperatures reaching up to 28°C, before a cold front brings a significant drop in temperatures by next Sunday, according to forecasts from the National Institute of Meteorology.
Clear skies and calm conditions are expected across the country on the night of March 10, with minimum temperatures ranging between minus 2°C and 3°C in most areas. In Sofia, temperatures are forecast to drop to around 1°C.
Sunday will usher in a sunny day for much of the country, though scattered high clouds may appear over western regions.
A light to moderate south-southwest wind is expected to raise maximum temperatures to between 20°C and 25°C. Coastal areas will experience slightly cooler conditions, with highs between 12°C and 17°C, while Sofia is set to reach around 22°C.
In the mountainous regions, clear skies will dominate, accompanied by a moderate to strong southwest wind. Temperatures are predicted to reach approximately 15°C at 1200 meters altitude and around 7°C at 2000 meters.
Along the Black Sea coast, sunshine and light to moderate southerly winds will prevail, with maximum temperatures ranging from 12°C to 17°C. Sea temperatures are expected to hover between 6°C and 7°C, with waves reaching 1-2 points on the Beaufort scale.
Looking ahead, the weather is forecast to remain windy, with moderate to temporarily strong and gusty southerly winds particularly affecting areas near the northern mountain slopes and Eastern Bulgaria.
On Tuesday, cloud cover is expected to increase, with brief rain showers predicted in isolated locations in the western regions by evening. Minimum temperatures will range between 2°C and 7°C, while daytime highs are expected to remain between 20°C and 25°C.
As Tuesday night transitions into Wednesday, forecasters predict a significant shift in weather patterns. Cloudy skies will spread across Western and Central Bulgaria, bringing rain showers and potential thunderstorms. Minimum temperatures are expected to rise by 4-5 degrees, but daytime temperatures will see a slight decline.
By Thursday, rain is anticipated in more areas, particularly across Eastern Bulgaria and the mountainous regions. Cloud cover will remain dense throughout the day, gradually clearing from the west in the afternoon.
The warm spell is expected to persist into Friday, with scattered high clouds and temperatures remaining unseasonably high for mid-March. Minimum temperatures will be around 10°C in most places, while maximums could soar between 23°C and 28°C.
However, the warm weather will be abruptly interrupted on Sunday as a cold front sweeps across the country, bringing colder air and a moderate west-northwest wind.
Forecasters warn of a sharp temperature drop in Western Bulgaria, while eastern regions, where winds will still blow from the south, may retain temperatures close to 25°C.
The cold front is also expected to bring widespread cloudiness, rain showers, and potential thunderstorms, particularly across Northern and Western Bulgaria.
Authorities advise residents to stay updated on the rapidly changing weather conditions and to prepare for possible disruptions as the cold front approaches.