As the calendar turned to April, Bulgaria found itself bathed in a wave of unseasonably warm weather, drawing locals and tourists alike to its beaches and public parks.
Despite not quite reaching record-breaking temperatures, the mercury soared across the nation, painting a picture of springtime more akin to the height of summer.
The Bulgarian weather bureau reported a series of remarkably high temperatures on April 1, 2024. In Montana, the thermometer peaked at 33 degrees Celsius, while Vratsa, Lovech, and Dobrich weren’t far behind, hitting a balmy 31 degrees Celsius.
Even in cooler regions, such as Razgrad and Sofia, the temperatures climbed to 29 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius, respectively, marking a significant departure from the seasonal norms.
However, despite the scorching temperatures, Bulgaria narrowly missed breaking the record for the highest temperature on April 1. The country’s highest temperature for the month of April remains at 35.8 degrees Celsius, a record set 39 years ago in 1985 in Vratsa.
The heatwave extended its reach across the country, with Vidin, Pleven, Rousse, Silistra, Veliko Turnovo, Kyustendil, Haskovo, and Bourgas all experiencing temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius or higher.
Even coastal cities like Varna and Sandanski saw the mercury rise to 27 degrees Celsius, enticing sun-seekers to the beaches.
In the mountainous regions, temperatures were notably cooler but still relatively warm for the time of year. The Rozhen region in the Rhodopes recorded a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius, while Shabla and Cape Kaliakra experienced milder temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius, respectively.
However, the chill of the higher altitudes provided a stark contrast to the warmth below. Botev Peak registered a mere 11 degrees Celsius, while Cherni Vruh saw temperatures of 10 degrees Celsius. At the peak of Musala, Bulgaria’s highest mountain, the thermometer barely crept above freezing, recording a chilly six degrees Celsius.
Looking ahead, forecasts suggest a mild cooling trend, with maximum highs expected to range from 20 to 23 degrees Celsius over the coming seven days. While the scorching temperatures of April 1 may have eased slightly, the allure of Bulgaria’s springtime splendour remains undiminished.
Bulgarians and visitors alike continue to revel in the season’s warmth, making it clear that spring has well and truly sprung across the country.
While the record books may remain unaltered for now, the memory of this unseasonably warm April day will linger, a testament to nature’s unpredictable beauty.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members