A cold front sweeping from west to east will bring unsettled and stormy weather across Bulgaria on Thursday, September 11. Meteorologists warn of showers, thunderstorms, and possible hail, with conditions expected to be more severe in northern and mountainous areas.
Skies will turn mostly cloudy through the day, with cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds developing rapidly. By the afternoon, showers and thunderstorms are forecast across Western and Central Bulgaria before spreading eastward into the evening. Short but heavy rainfall is anticipated in many areas, raising concerns over local disruptions.
In some regions, wind gusts are expected to intensify during storm activity, raising the risk of damage and difficult travel conditions. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology has warned of the possibility of hailstorms, particularly in vulnerable agricultural zones.
Despite the unstable atmosphere, daytime temperatures will remain high for early September. Maximum values will range between 28°C and 33°C nationwide, with Sofia forecast to reach about 29°C. Winds will generally blow from the east-southeast at light to moderate strength but will shift to west-northwest in western Bulgaria by nightfall.
Along the Black Sea coast, weather conditions will start relatively calm. The morning will bring scattered clouds and reduced visibility in some spots. However, skies will gradually become cloudier by afternoon, with mid- and high-level formations moving in from the west. East-southeasterly winds will stay light to moderate throughout the day.
Daytime highs along the coast are expected to reach between 26°C and 27°C, while seawater temperatures will remain pleasant at 24°C to 25°C. Wave height is forecast at 2 to 3 degrees on the Douglas scale, posing no significant hazard to beachgoers.
Mountain areas will see more unsettled conditions. Over the ranges of Western and Central Bulgaria, clouds will thicken and bring locally heavy showers with thunder.
Hikers are advised to exercise caution as sudden downpours and lightning strikes are likely. Winds from the south-southwest will blow moderately, lowering temperatures to around 23°C at 1,200 meters and near 16°C at 2,000 meters.
Authorities urge residents and travelers to prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions, particularly in northern Bulgaria and mountain regions where storms are likely to be most intense. Farmers are also advised to take precautions against potential hail damage to crops.
With the summer season drawing to a close, this cold front marks the arrival of more dynamic and unpredictable September weather, signaling the gradual shift toward autumn across the country.