On July 20, a typical summer day is expected in Bulgaria – a sunny morning, high daytime temperatures, and local afternoon showers and thunderstorms mainly over mountain regions and parts of the interior. According to forecasts prepared based on data from the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, the trend remains for mostly sunny weather and a warm start to the week, but with signs of a more unstable atmosphere and cooling in the following days – especially after July 22, when daytime temperatures in most of the country will drop below 30 degrees.
Burgas and the region
In Burgas on July 20, the forecast indicates a classic summer day. Air temperature will be between 21° and 29°, with predominantly clear skies. The wind over Burgas and the coast will be semi-strong, with a speed of about 9 m/s, mainly from northeastern directions.
The probability of precipitation is relatively low – about 30–40%, with brief, light showers expected rather than significant amounts of rain. The sea water temperature near Burgas in mid-July is usually around 25–26°C, with slight to moderate swells of 1–2 degrees. Given these parameters, the preliminary safety assessment for swimming along the Southern Black Sea coast and near Burgas is a green flag – good conditions for the beach and sea, with attention to the stronger wind and high UV index.
Sofia and the region
In Sofia and the surrounding areas on July 20, sunny weather is expected with temporary increases in cloudiness in the afternoon. Maximum temperatures in the capital will be around 30–32°, and minimums around 18–20°. In the morning hours, it will be clear and hot, and after noon, cumulus-rain clouds will develop over the surrounding mountains, with a chance for short-lived showers and thunderstorms in some places.
The wind in the Sofia field will be weak to moderate, mainly from the west and northwest, without significant intensification. There is no sea water in the region and no flag assessment applies, but caution is recommended during afternoon thunderstorm processes, especially in the mountains around the capital.
Eastern Bulgaria
In Eastern Bulgaria – Northeastern and Southeastern Bulgaria – July 20 will start with sunny and hot weather. Maximum temperatures will be between 30° and 33°, and minimums around 20–22°. In the morning hours, it will be clear, and after noon, cumulus-rain clouds will develop over the mountainous regions in Eastern and Central Bulgaria, with rain and thunder in many places; local squalls and small hail are possible.
The wind in the eastern half will be weak to moderate, predominantly northeasterly, and along the coast – a sea breeze during the day. The sea water temperature along the eastern coast (Varna, Shabla) will be around 25–26°C, with swells of 2–3 degrees. For swimming along the eastern beaches, the general guide is a green flag, with a possible transition to a yellow flag during local afternoon thunderstorms.
Western Bulgaria
In Western Bulgaria, especially in the western and central regions, July 20 will be hot but with a more unstable atmosphere. Starting from the previous night, showers and thunderstorms are possible in some places over Western and Central Bulgaria, which will weaken after midnight, while during the day, sunny and warm weather will prevail again across the country.
After noon, cumulus-rain clouds will develop again over the mountainous regions in Western and Central Bulgaria, with rain and thunder expected in many places, and the possibility of squalls and hail. Maximum temperatures in these areas will be between 33° and 36°, slightly lower in the mountainous zones – around 30–32°. The wind will be weak to moderate, initially easterly, and by evening in the extreme northwestern regions, it will shift from the west. There is no sea water in these areas and no flag assessment applies, but caution is recommended during local storms.
In the mountains
In the mountain massifs on July 20, sunny weather will prevail in the morning, but after noon, cumulus-rain clouds will develop over Western, Central, and Eastern Bulgaria, with short-lived showers and thunderstorms expected in many places in the mountains. In some areas, more intense showers, squalls, and small hail are possible, especially in the afternoon hours.
The maximum temperature at about 1200 m will be around 23–27°, and at 2000 m – around 18–19°. The wind along the ridges will be weak to moderate, mainly from the west-northwest. Conditions are good for hiking in the first half of the day, but it is important for tourists to monitor the forecast and avoid exposed areas when thunderstorms develop.
Black Sea coast
Along the Black Sea coast on July 20, forecasts indicate mostly sunny weather with a sea breeze. Maximum temperatures along the coast will be between 28° and 32°, and the sea water temperature – around 25–26°C. Sea swells will be around 2–3 degrees – slight to moderate.
Sunny and hot weather will prevail during the day, with excellent conditions for the beach and swimming until noon. In the afternoon, the development of cumulus-rain clouds and local showers with thunder is possible in some places along the coast, but no extreme phenomena are expected. Given these parameters, the general preliminary safety assessment for swimming along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast on July 20 is a green flag, with local transitions to a yellow flag during temporary storms and stronger swells in the afternoon hours.
The weather forecast was prepared with the support of our partner Atmosbg.