After the dynamic and stormy weather around July 17, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) expects a stabilization of the atmospheric conditions over the weekend of July 18–19. According to the 15-day forecast, the air mass over the country is gradually calming down, and in the period July 19–23, the weather will be predominantly sunny, with summer temperatures that will rise again.
Burgas and the region – July 18 and 19
In Burgas and the region, the weekend of July 18–19 brings typical summer and pleasant weather. According to data from detailed forecasts for the city, on July 18, temperatures are expected to be between 21° and about 28°, with predominantly sunny weather and a low probability of precipitation – about 17%, with the forecast amount of rain being practically 0.0 mm. On July 19, values remain similar – around 21° in the morning and up to 28° during the day, with sunny weather and minimal probability of precipitation (about 7%, with no expected rain).
The wind over Burgas and the coast on both days will be semi-strong, with a speed of about 9 m/s, mainly from northeasterly directions. The sea water temperature along the Southern Black Sea coast remains in the typical summer range of about 24°–26°, and the swell is slight to moderate, about 1–2 points. Under these conditions, the preliminary assessment for swimming at the beaches around Burgas is green flag for both July 18 and 19.
Sofia and the region
In Sofia and the surrounding areas on July 18 and 19, the weather will be predominantly sunny, with temporary cumulus clouds in the afternoon, but without significant precipitation. According to model forecasts, maximum temperatures in the capital will be around 28°–30°, and minimums – around 16°–18°. The probability of short rains after the stormy July 17 is gradually decreasing, remaining low – below about 20%.
The wind in the Sofia field will be weak to moderate, with a variable direction, most often northeasterly to northwesterly, with speeds of about 3–5 m/s. There is no sea water in the region and flag ratings do not apply, but conditions are good for walks and trips in the surrounding areas.
Eastern Bulgaria
In Eastern Bulgaria (Northeastern and Southeastern Bulgaria, including Varna, Burgas, and surrounding areas) during July 18 and 19, sunny weather will prevail, with isolated cumulus clouds in the afternoon, but without a serious probability of precipitation. According to the 15-day NIMH forecast, the period July 19–23 is characterized by a stabilized air mass and predominantly sun, with temperatures rising again and remaining higher than the climatic norms for the season.
Maximum temperatures in the eastern part will be between 28° and 31°, and minimums – around 18°–21°. The wind will be weak to moderate from the northeast, and along the coast – from the sea towards the land during the day. The sea water temperature will be around 24°–26°, with a swell of 1–2 points. For swimming along the eastern coast, the guideline for July 18 and 19 is a green flag, with attention only to the stronger wind on open beaches.
Western Bulgaria
In Western Bulgaria – including the areas around Plovdiv, Blagoevgrad, Vidin, and Montana – after the storms and the cold front around July 17, the weather is also calming down. On July 18, isolated cumulonimbus clouds are still possible in the afternoon hours, but the precipitation will be more local and short. On July 19, the forecast indicates lasting stabilization – more sun and less risk of thunderstorm processes.
Temperatures will range between 27°–31°, and minimum values at night – around 16°–19°. The wind inland will be weak to moderate, mainly from the northwest, as cooler air gradually enters with it after the hot days. There is no sea water in these regions and flag ratings do not apply, but conditions are good for trips, walks, and mountain tourism.
In the mountains
In the mountain massifs, July 18 and 19 will be calmer compared to previous days. NIMH reports that after the period of unstable air mass and increased cumulonimbus cloudiness around July 17–18, in the interval July 19–23, the weather is gradually stabilizing. Predominantly sunny weather is expected, with isolated cumulus clouds in the afternoon and a significantly lower risk of precipitation and storms.
Maximum temperatures at about 1200 m will be around 23°–25°, and at 2000 m – around 17°–19°, which makes conditions suitable for mountain hikes and walks. The wind will be weak to moderate, with a variable direction, without significant intensification. There is no sea water in the mountains, but tourists are advised to monitor local forecasts and keep in mind that isolated afternoon thunderstorm processes may still develop on Saturday.
Black Sea Coast
Along the Black Sea coast on July 18 and 19, sunny and typical summer weather will prevail, especially along the Southern Black Sea coast. After increased probability of powerful cumulonimbus cloudiness and intense precipitation inland was observed around July 17–18, from Sunday onwards NIMH expects stabilization – "it will be sunny" and temperatures will rise.
Along the coast, maximum temperatures will be between 28° and 30°, and the sea water temperature – around 24°–26°. The wind will be weak to moderate from the northeast, and the swell – slight, about 1–2 points. For swimming, the general assessment along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast for July 18 and 19 is a green flag, with local transitions to yellow only during temporary wind intensifications or higher swell on open beaches.
The weather forecast was prepared with the support of our partner Atmosbg.