Severe Weather Warning: Bulgaria Braces for Snow, Blizzards, and Strong Winds

Bulgaria is preparing for widespread inclement weather on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as a deep Mediterranean cyclone moves through the Balkans. The forecast includes significant snowfall, blizzards, strong winds, and icy conditions across much of the country, potentially disrupting travel and daily life.

Weather Overview for February 18th

A deep Mediterranean cyclone is bringing widespread cloud cover and rainfall to Bulgaria. The precipitation is expected to transition to snowfall in most regions, with rain initially falling in parts of Eastern Bulgaria, including Varna, Burgas, Shumen, and Dobrich, before changing to snow by morning.

Regional Impacts

• Northwestern Bulgaria: Significant snowfall is anticipated in areas including Vidin, Montana, and Vratsa.
• Western Bulgaria: Higher elevation areas near Sofia Province, Pernik, and Kyustendil, as well as the Rila and Vitosha mountains, will experience substantial precipitation and colder temperatures, leading to significant snowfall.
• Danube Plain: Blizzard conditions and snowfall drifts are forecast across areas such as Vidin, Lom, Oryahovo, Nikopol, Svishtov, Ruse, Silistra, and Tutrakan.
• Eastern Bulgaria & Black Sea Coast: A transition from rainfall to snowfall is expected, creating slippery road surfaces in areas like Nessebar, Pomorie, Burgas, Shabla, Kavarna, Balchik, Dobrich, and Varna.
• Central Bulgaria: Cities including Veliko Tarnovo, Stara Zagora, and Plovdiv are expected to experience colder air and potential snowfall.
• Sofia & Surrounding Areas: Sofia, Pernik, and Kyustendil are bracing for colder air and potential snowfall.

Strong Winds

A wind shift is expected on Wednesday, with winds turning to the northwest and strengthening across much of Bulgaria. Wind speeds may reach up to 100 km/h in some areas, exacerbating the cold and creating hazardous conditions.

Travel Disruptions

Snowfall across most of Bulgaria may slow road traffic and increase travel time in both urban and intercity corridors, particularly during the morning. Slippery road surfaces are also a concern, especially in Eastern Bulgaria.

Official Sources

Stay updated with the latest weather information from DarikNews.bg and other local news sources.