Storm Warning: Southern Bulgaria Braces for Intense Rainfall and Wind

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology has issued an orange warning for heavy rainfall in five regions on Thursday, pointing to deteriorating weather conditions across much of the country. The alert applies to Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, Haskovo, Smolyan and Kardzhali, where more intense precipitation is expected. Nationwide, skies will remain mostly overcast, with widespread rain affecting many areas, particularly in southern parts of the country and mountainous regions.

Winds will be moderate, at times strengthening from the east-northeast, before shifting in the afternoon in parts of southern central Bulgaria to a southern direction. Temperatures will stay relatively low, with minimum values ranging between 4°C and 9°C, while daytime highs will reach between 7°C and 12°C. In Sofia, temperatures are expected to hover around 4°C in the morning and rise to about 7°C during the day.

In the mountains, conditions will be particularly unsettled, with thick cloud cover and persistent rainfall, especially across the Rila-Rhodope area and the Stara Planina. At higher elevations, roughly between 1400 and 1800 meters, precipitation is likely to transition from rain to snow. Strong winds from the south-southeast will add to the harsher conditions, with temperatures dropping to around 2°C at 1200 meters and about minus 2°C at 2000 meters.

Along the Black Sea coast, cloudy weather and rainfall will dominate, with heavier amounts expected in the southern coastal areas. Winds from the northeast will be moderate to occasionally strong. Daytime temperatures will remain between 9°C and 10°C, similar to sea water temperatures, while wave activity is forecast at 3 to 4 points.