Residents of Sofia were treated to a stunning natural spectacle early Friday morning as a vivid rainbow arched gracefully over the city’s skyline. The colorful phenomenon appeared just before 8 a.m., during a brief spell of light rain that coincided perfectly with the first rays of sunlight.
Commuters on their way to work and students heading to school stopped to admire the scene, capturing photos and videos of the dazzling arc.
Many described it as a breathtaking moment that brightened the start of their day. The rainbow’s sharp, multicolored bands stood out vividly against the soft hues of the morning sky, painting Sofia in warm, luminous tones.
The fleeting drizzle, combined with the low autumn sun, created ideal conditions for the spectacle. Meteorologists explained that the reflection and refraction of sunlight through water droplets produced the distinct spectrum of colors.
The fiery shades seen along the horizon were particularly striking, merging with the rising sun to give the illusion of a glowing bridge across the city.
“It was an incredible sight,” said Ivaylo Petrov, a local photographer who captured the rainbow from near the National Palace of Culture. “You could see the full arc stretching over the rooftops—it felt like a moment of calm before the storm.”
Indeed, the calm did not last long. The Bulgarian Meteorological Institute forecasted strong winds throughout the day, with a yellow warning issued for 25 districts across the country. In Sofia, temperatures were expected to reach around 19 degrees Celsius, while other parts of Bulgaria could experience highs between 19 and 24 degrees.
The weather alert covered much of northern and western Bulgaria, where gusts were predicted to exceed 70 km/h in exposed areas. Officials advised residents to secure loose objects and avoid unnecessary travel during peak wind hours.
Interestingly, Friday’s dramatic skies also echoed an old Bulgarian proverb: “Red skies at dawn, winds soon to come.” The fiery tones that accompanied the morning rainbow served as a fitting prelude to the blustery weather that followed.
Despite the warnings, many residents viewed the morning’s display as a reminder of nature’s beauty and unpredictability. Social media platforms quickly filled with images tagged #SofiaRainbow and #BulgarianSky, with users sharing their perspectives from different neighborhoods of the capital.
Meteorologists noted that such rainbows are relatively rare in late October, as cooler temperatures and lower sun angles reduce the likelihood of the right conditions. However, Friday’s combination of overnight rain and early sunshine created a perfect atmospheric balance.
By late morning, the rainbow had faded, replaced by gathering clouds and increasingly strong gusts. Yet, for many in Sofia, the moment left a lasting impression—a brief but brilliant reminder that even on stormy days, beauty can appear when least expected.