Sofia, June 27 — A severe heatwave has gripped large swathes of Bulgaria, with thermometers climbing well beyond seasonal norms and prompting health warnings and emergency measures across the country.
The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) has issued an orange weather alert for much of the country, warning of potentially hazardous conditions as temperatures threaten to breach the 40°C mark.
By midday on Thursday, Vidin and Stara Zagora emerged as the hottest spots in Bulgaria, recording a blistering 36°C. Close behind were the northwestern towns of Montana at 35°C and a slew of other cities—Lovech, Shumen, Dobrich, Haskovo, and the coastal city of Burgas—each sweltering at around 34°C. Even in Sofia, the capital, temperatures had risen to 31°C by noon.
Although conditions were somewhat milder along the Black Sea coast, the heat remained oppressive. Cape Shabla and Cape Kaliakra reported temperatures of 26°C and 27°C respectively, still high enough to prompt concern among residents and tourists alike.
Meteorologists warn that the worst may still lie ahead, with maximum temperatures forecast to continue rising into the late afternoon.
In some regions, particularly in the northwest, the mercury could surpass 40°C—a dangerous threshold that puts vulnerable populations at serious risk of heat-related illness.
In response, local authorities have begun mobilizing emergency services to assist residents. In Vratsa, a town under the orange warning zone, officials distributed bottles of mineral water in the city centre to help people stay hydrated.
Similar measures are being considered in other municipalities where extreme temperatures are expected to persist in the coming days.
Healthcare professionals are urging Bulgarians to remain vigilant and take immediate steps to protect themselves from heatstroke and dehydration. Petar Iliev, a paramedic based in Sofia, emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun.
“Drink enough water—hydration is a key factor in preventing heatstroke,” Iliev said in a public advisory. “If you must be outdoors, stay in the shade, wear light clothing, and cover your head with a hat or scarf.”
Iliev added that the elderly, young children, and people with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable during extreme heat events and should remain indoors during peak temperatures if possible.
This latest heatwave comes amid broader concerns about climate change and its impact on extreme weather patterns across southeastern Europe.
Bulgaria, like many parts of the Balkans, has experienced increasingly frequent and intense heat events in recent years, straining both infrastructure and public health services.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are urging the public to heed official warnings. NIMH has advised citizens to limit physical activity during the hottest hours of the day and to check on neighbours who may be particularly susceptible to heat-related complications.
With the heatwave expected to persist through the weekend, residents are bracing for a sweltering stretch of summer—one that may yet break temperature records and test the nation’s resilience.