A Mediterranean cyclone is set to drench and chill large parts of Bulgaria on Tuesday, triggering widespread weather warnings and raising concerns over flooding, snowfall and hazardous travel across the country.
The national meteorological service has issued orange alerts — the second-highest warning level — for heavy rainfall and snowfall in several regions, warning residents to prepare for dangerous conditions and rapidly changing weather.
Among the areas under the strongest warning are Pazardzhik, Plovdiv, Smolyan, Sofia, Lovech, Vidin and Montana, where intense precipitation could cause localized flooding and significant snow accumulation.
Five additional regions — Blagoevgrad, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Yambol and Burgas — are under a second-degree warning for heavy rainfall alone, with totals expected to reach up to 50 liters per square meter.
Across the remainder of the country, yellow alerts remain in place for mixed rain and snow, while northeastern districts brace for strong winds with gusts forecast to hit 72 kilometers per hour, increasing the risk of fallen branches and difficult driving conditions.
Tuesday’s skies will stay overcast nationwide, with rain dominating lower elevations and snow falling in higher and northern areas. Meteorologists say precipitation will be persistent throughout the day, making commutes slower and more hazardous, particularly during peak traffic hours.
Winds will initially blow moderately from the east-northeast in northern and northeastern regions, while southern areas will see an east-southeast flow. By evening, however, winds are expected to swing to the northwest and strengthen, ushering in colder air behind the storm system.
Daytime temperatures will vary sharply, with chilly highs of just 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in the northwest, compared to milder readings of 10 to 12 degrees in the southeast. The colder air mass will encourage snowfall overnight, particularly across Northern and Western Bulgaria.
Forecasters expect snow cover to gradually form in these regions, especially in upland areas and mountain passes, where road conditions could deteriorate rapidly. Authorities are urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel and ensure vehicles are winter-ready.
Looking ahead, conditions are forecast to improve temporarily midweek. On Wednesday, precipitation will ease first in western areas before clearing later in the east. Cloud cover is expected to break over western Bulgaria, allowing intervals of sunshine.
Despite clearer skies, strong winds are likely to persist, keeping temperatures feeling colder than average. Fog may also develop in low-lying and river valley areas during the mornings, reducing visibility for motorists.
By the end of the week, a brief spell of sunnier weather is expected to lift daytime temperatures. Maximums could reach between 7 and 12 degrees, and locally up to 16 degrees in some southern areas, offering short-lived relief after the storm.
However, the respite may be fleeting. Meteorologists warn that another system will approach on Friday, bringing increasing cloudiness and renewed rainfall before noon, spreading across the country by evening.
As colder air returns, rain is forecast to transition into snow in many regions, with the possibility of significant accumulation and blizzard-like conditions on mountain routes. Temperatures are expected to drop further overnight into Saturday, keeping snowfall widespread.
Emergency services and local authorities continue to monitor developments closely, advising residents to stay updated on forecasts and heed official warnings as the unsettled weather pattern unfolds.