On August 18, the weather in Bulgaria will be dynamic. With the wind shifting and strengthening from the northwest, relatively cooler air will move in. Cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds will develop from west to east, and brief showers with thunderstorms and local hail are expected in some places.
The forecast is regional in nature. The probability of precipitation, wind speed, and the assessment of swimming conditions may change depending on the specific beach and the development of the weather throughout the day. Flag signaling at lifeguard stations is mandatory and takes precedence over the preliminary assessment.
Burgas and the region
In Burgas, the day will start with variable cloudiness, and more noticeable cloud development is expected around and after noon. The minimum temperature will be around 19–21°C, and the maximum – 26–28°C. The probability of brief rain and thunderstorm activity is about 40–50%, being highest during the second half of the day.
The sea water temperature near Burgas will be around 25–26°C. The wind will be from the northwest, later shifting in direction, with speeds most often 4–7 m/s, temporarily with gusts up to 10–12 m/s. This corresponds to a light to moderate wind, which can suddenly intensify near thunderstorm cells.
The sea state will be mostly 2–3 on the Douglas scale. The preliminary assessment for swimming safety is a yellow flag due to the possibility of temporary gusts, thunderstorms, and variable sea conditions. Swimming is not recommended during thunderstorm activity or when the lifeguard station signal changes.
Sofia and the region
In Sofia and the area, it will be warm before noon, with minimum temperatures around 15–17°C and maximums between 29°C and 31°C. In the afternoon, cloudiness will increase, and brief showers, thunderstorms, and a temporary increase in wind speed are possible in places. The probability of precipitation is about 50–60%.
A moderate northwesterly wind will blow with an average speed of 5–8 m/s, with stronger gusts during thunderstorm phenomena. Data for sea water temperature and swimming flags do not apply to Sofia and the inland regions.
Eastern and Western Bulgaria
In Western Bulgaria, atmospheric instability will manifest earlier. Temperatures will be between 26°C and 31°C, and the probability of brief showers and thunderstorms is high – about 60–70%. Intense rainfall and hail are possible in some places. The northwesterly wind will be moderate, temporarily strong during the passage of thunderstorm cells.
In Eastern Bulgaria, there will be more sunny hours before noon and higher temperatures – between 28°C and 32°C. In the afternoon and evening, cloudiness will increase, and there will be brief showers and thunderstorms in some places with a probability of about 40–60%. The wind will shift to the northwest and strengthen, most often up to 5–9 m/s.
Sea water temperature and swimming flags do not apply to the interior of Eastern and Western Bulgaria. In areas around open bodies of water, it is necessary to avoid staying in or near the water during thunderstorms.
In the mountains
Significant cumulonimbus cloudiness will develop in the mountains. Brief, in places intense, showers, thunderstorms, and conditions for hail are expected. The probability of precipitation is about 60–80%, mostly after noon.
At 1200 meters, temperatures will be around 18–21°C, and at 2000 meters – around 11–14°C. In high areas, a moderate to strong northwesterly wind will blow with a speed of 8–14 m/s, and gusts near the ridges can be stronger. Data for sea water and swimming flags do not apply; mountain hikes should end before the afternoon storms.
Black Sea coast
Along the Black Sea coast, maximum temperatures will be between 26°C and 29°C. There will be more sunny hours before noon, but later the cloudiness will increase. The probability of brief showers and thunderstorms is about 30–50%, being higher along the southern coast and in the interior of the regions.
The sea water will remain warm – between 24°C and 26°C. The wind will be from the northwest, light to moderate, with a speed of 4–8 m/s and temporary stronger gusts. The expected sea state is 2–3 on the Douglas scale.
The preliminary assessment for swimming safety along the Black Sea coast is a yellow flag. Beach visitors should monitor lifeguard signals, exit the water immediately during thunderstorms, and avoid swimming during strong winds, increased waves, or a red flag.
The weather forecast is compiled with the support of our partner Atmosbg.