Bulgaria Weather Update: Weekend Forecast Includes Rain, Snow and Strong Winds

Bulgaria is bracing for a mixed weather weekend, with conditions ranging from cloudy skies and rain to snow in the mountains and strong winds along the Black Sea coast. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) has issued a warning for dangerous sea conditions in Burgas, Varna, and Dobrich.

Weekend Weather Overview

The weekend will be predominantly cloudy, with occasional breaks in the clouds over western areas. Rain is expected in isolated locations, particularly around the Stara Planina (Balkan Mountains), the Rhodope Mountains, and southeastern regions. Above 1000 meters, precipitation will fall as snow.

Wind Conditions

A weak to moderate northeast wind will blow in Western Bulgaria, diminishing overnight. The eastern half of the country will experience moderate to strong north-northeast winds.

Temperature Forecast

Minimum temperatures will range between 0° and 5° Celsius. In the high valley fields of Western Bulgaria, temperatures may drop to -2° Celsius, and Sofia is expected to be around -1° Celsius. Maximum temperatures will generally be between 8° and 13° Celsius, with Sofia around 8° Celsius.

Coastal Warning

NIMH has issued a warning for dangerous sea conditions for the regions of Burgas, Varna, and Dobrich. A swell of 3 to 4 points is anticipated, posing risks to minor craft and coastal activities. The sea water temperature remains low, between 7 and 9 degrees Celsius, and air temperatures will reach a maximum of 8 to 12 degrees Celsius.

Mountain Conditions

Conditions in the mountains remain wintry. Significant cloud cover and light snowfall are forecast for the Stara Planina and Rhodope Mountains. Ridge winds will be moderate, becoming strong and gusty from the northeast on the higher parts of the Eastern Stara Planina and the Rhodopes. Temperatures at 1200 meters will be around 1 degree Celsius, and around -5 degrees Celsius at 2000 meters.

Ski Resort Conditions

Skiing conditions remain suitable in the three main winter resorts, but caution is advised due to wind and cold temperatures.

• Borovets: Cloudy, with minimum temperatures of -4° Celsius and maximum of 2° Celsius.
• Pamporovo: Light snowfall expected, with temperatures between -7° and -3° Celsius.
• Bansko: Cloudy, with temperatures ranging from -2° Celsius in the morning to around 7° Celsius during the day.

Looking Ahead

On Sunday, March 22nd, cloud cover will begin to dissipate, starting in western areas. Mornings will remain cold with frosty conditions. A stabilization of the weather is expected during the recent week, with more sunny hours and a gradual increase in temperatures.