The first day of school across Bulgaria began under cooler-than-expected weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from 6 to 11 degrees Celsius in most parts of the country.
In contrast, South-Eastern Bulgaria and the Black Sea coast saw slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 15-16 degrees Celsius.
According to Anastasia Stoicheva, a meteorologist from the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH), the cloud cover from the west has gradually begun to disperse, though the country remains under the influence of a powerful cyclone affecting much of Europe.
The cyclone, named “Boris,” is currently centered over the northwestern Balkans and is expected to move westward in the coming days.
This weather system has already caused substantial rainfall and damage across Central Europe, with the southern regions of Poland, as well as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, reporting heavy precipitation.
Bulgaria, while spared the worst of the cyclone’s effects, is still experiencing cooler temperatures, particularly in the mornings.
Stoicheva noted that this weather pattern is expected to persist throughout the week, though temperatures are predicted to rise starting Tuesday.
Rain Expected Later in the Week
Although the first day of school saw minimal precipitation across most regions of Bulgaria, Stoicheva warned that increased cloud cover and rain are expected later in the week.
“Wednesday and Friday are likely to see significant rainfall in various parts of the country, particularly in South-Eastern Bulgaria, while mountainous and eastern regions may experience less rainfall,” Stoicheva explained. However, no frosts are anticipated in the coming days, providing some relief to residents.
The highest probability of rain on the first day of school was in South-Eastern Bulgaria, but other areas remained relatively dry, albeit cool.
The cooler weather is being closely monitored by meteorologists, as Bulgaria is expected to face more rain toward the end of the month.
Precipitation is predicted for September 27-28, although the latter half of the month should see warmer temperatures, reaching between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.
Impact of Cyclone “Boris” on Europe
Cyclone “Boris” has made its presence felt across Central Europe, particularly in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Southern Poland has already experienced significant rainfall, while Slovakia and the Czech Republic have been hit by heavy downpours.
Over the next few days, the cyclone is expected to bring more rain to Italy and along the Adriatic coast of the Balkans.
Austria is also forecasted to receive substantial rainfall, with some areas expected to accumulate more than 50 liters of rain per square meter. In higher altitudes, snowfall is likely to contribute to increased snow cover in the Alps.
For Bulgaria, while the influence of the cyclone is less severe, the country remains on alert for further developments.
The western and central parts of the country are expected to be the most affected by the ongoing cool and rainy conditions.
However, as Stoicheva noted, the rise in temperatures expected toward the end of September should alleviate concerns about an extended cold spell.
As students return to school, they are likely to experience a mix of weather conditions in the coming weeks, ranging from cool mornings to warmer afternoons, punctuated by bouts of rain.