Dangerous Heat Returns: Bulgaria Braces for 40°C Weekend

Bulgaria is set for another day of dangerously hot weather, with a nationwide warning in effect tomorrow and temperatures expected to approach or exceed 40°C in some areas.

Temperatures in the orange warning zones could reach around 40°C or higher, while maximum temperatures across the rest of the country are forecast to range between 34°C and 39°C. Sofia will also remain hot, with temperatures around 35°C.

The weather will be predominantly sunny, although afternoon showers are possible in parts of western Bulgaria. Winds will generally be light from the east, becoming moderate from the northwest in western parts of the country.

The Black Sea coast will also see mostly sunny conditions. A light easterly wind is expected, with maximum temperatures between 26°C and 29°C. Sea water temperatures will remain at 24°C to 25°C, while the sea swell will reach 3 points.

Sunny weather is also forecast in the mountains, where winds will be light. Afternoon rainfall is possible in the mountain ranges of western Bulgaria.

Temperatures will remain unusually high at higher elevations as well. Maximum temperatures in mountain resorts are expected to range from 23°C at Aleko to 29°C at Borovets and Pamporovo.

Sunday will remain mostly sunny, although isolated showers are possible in eastern Bulgaria and the mountains. Maximum temperatures will fall by around one degree, but nighttime temperatures will remain high, with lows staying above 20°C in many parts of the country.

A more noticeable cooling trend is expected during the first half of next week, accompanied by increasing rainfall. Showers are forecast in northern and mountainous areas on Monday, across western Bulgaria on Tuesday, and in many parts of western and central Bulgaria on Wednesday.

The heat will therefore continue through the weekend, with temperatures remaining well above seasonal levels before the weather gradually becomes cooler and wetter next week.