On July 21, typical summer weather is expected in Bulgaria, but it will be highly unstable. According to the forecasts of the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology for the period July 21–26, there will be sunny hours, but also the development of cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds, with brief precipitation and thunderstorms in many places, with more intense phenomena expected precisely on Tuesday evening and in the following nights.
Burgas and the region
In Burgas on July 21, a slight cooling is expected compared to the previous day and more unstable weather. The minimum temperature in the area will be around 21°, and the maximum – around 28°, with predominantly cloudy skies and possible brief showers. The probability of precipitation is increased – around 70%, but short and light rains are expected rather than significant amounts.
The wind over Burgas and the coastline will be moderately strong, with a speed of about 9 m/s, mainly from northeasterly directions. The sea water temperature near Burgas in mid-July remains around 25–26°C, with slight to moderate waves of 2–3 Beaufort. Given the probable afternoon thunderstorms, the preliminary assessment for swimming along the Southern Black Sea coast and near Burgas on July 21 is a yellow flag – good conditions for most of the day, but with increased caution during the development of storms and wind strengthening.
Sofia and the region
In Sofia and the surrounding areas, July 21 will be a day with clearly more unstable weather. After a relatively calm morning with temperatures around 16–18°, significant cumulonimbus clouds will develop over Western and Central Bulgaria in the afternoon. Maximum temperatures in the capital region will be around 26–28°, which marks the beginning of the expected drop below typical July norms.
During the second half of the day, brief but locally intense rainfall and thunderstorms are expected, with a risk of hail and temporary strengthening of the wind. The wind will be moderate, strong at times, mainly from the northwest, with an influx of cooler air. There is no sea water in the area and no flag assessment applies, but it is recommended to avoid open spaces during thunderstorms.
Eastern Bulgaria
In Eastern Bulgaria – Northeastern and Southeastern Bulgaria – July 21 will be a transitional day to cooler and more unstable weather. Maximum temperatures in the eastern part will still range between 28–30°, and minimums – around 19–21°. Sunny weather will prevail in the morning hours, but in the afternoon, cumulonimbus clouds will develop over mountainous areas and the interior, with rain and thunderstorms in many places.
The wind will temporarily be from the north and northeast, moderate to strong, bringing cooler air. The sea water temperature along the eastern coast (Varna, Shabla) will be around 25–26°C, with waves of 2–3 Beaufort. For swimming at the eastern beaches, the guideline for July 21 is a yellow flag – suitable for the sea, but with increased caution during local storms and stronger northeasterly winds.
Western Bulgaria
In Western Bulgaria, July 21 will be one of the most dynamic days of the week. The air will be highly unstable, with significant precipitation and thunderstorms mainly on Tuesday afternoon and evening, as well as during the night into Wednesday. In many places, intense rainfall, local hail, and squally wind gusts are expected.
Temperatures in the western regions will range between 25–28° for the maximum and around 15–17° for the minimum, which is already below typical July values. With a moderate to strong northwesterly wind, relatively cooler air will flow in, and the cooling will be felt most clearly in the Danubian Plain and the high fields. There is no sea water in these areas and no flag assessment applies, but it is important to follow warnings for severe storms.
In the mountains
In the mountain ranges on the morning of July 21, there will be sunny periods, but from noon onwards, cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds will develop over Western, Central, and Eastern Bulgaria, including over the Rhodopes. In many places in the mountains, brief but intense rain and thunderstorms are expected, with an increased risk of hail and temporarily strong wind.
The maximum temperature at about 1200 m will be around 20–22°, and at 2000 m – around 14–16°, which means noticeably cooler conditions compared to previous days. The wind along the ridges will be moderate to strong, mainly from the northwest, which will further increase the feeling of coolness. Hiking conditions are good in the first half of the day, but in the afternoon and evening, tourists should avoid exposed places during storms.
Black Sea coast
Along the Black Sea coast on July 21, the weather will be relatively calmer compared to the interior. The coastal zone will remain cooler due to the breeze circulation, with sunny weather and temporary cumulus clouds prevailing for most of the day. Maximum temperatures along the coast will be around 27–29°, and minimums – around 20–21°.
The sea water temperature along the entire coast, including near Burgas, Varna, and Balchik, will be around 25–26°C, with waves of 2–3 Beaufort. Local brief rain and thunderstorms along the coast are possible during the second half of the day, but no prolonged or dangerous phenomena are expected. Given these parameters, the general preliminary assessment for swimming safety along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast on July 21 is a yellow flag – good conditions for the sea, but with caution regarding temporary wind strengthening, wave height, and thunderstorm processes.
The weather forecast was compiled with the support of our partner Atmosbg.