Rainy and stormy July 23rd: precipitation in the interior, calmer sea near Burgas

On July 23rd, the weather in Bulgaria remains under the influence of a cooler and unstable air mass. Following the hot period around July 21st–22nd, a cold front is moving across the country, bringing a drop in temperatures, intense rainfall, and thunderstorms, especially in the interior. Along the Black Sea coast, however, the forecast is calmer – sunny hours and stable, warm weather dominate there.

Burgas and the region

In Burgas on July 23rd, a typical summer day with more moderate temperatures is expected. Morning minimums will be around 17–19°, and afternoon maximums will reach about 26–28°. The sky will be mostly clear or with scattered clouds, and the chance of precipitation in the city and along the coast remains low – approximately within the range of 20%, without significant amounts of rain.

The wind over Burgas and the region will be light to moderate, most often northeasterly, with speeds of around 3–5 m/s, typical for a summer sea breeze. The sea water temperature near Burgas at the end of July usually ranges around 25–27°C, with a sea state of 2–3 degrees. With these parameters, the preliminary safety assessment for swimming along the Southern Black Sea coast and near Burgas on July 23rd is a green flag – very good conditions for the beach and the sea, with attention to the strong sun and high UV index during the noon hours.

Sofia and the region

In Sofia and its surroundings, July 23rd will be a day with typical unstable summer weather. The morning will be relatively cool, with temperatures around 15–17°, and in the afternoon, maximums will reach about 27–29°. Until noon, there will be sunny periods, but during the second half of the day, the atmosphere will become unstable, and cumulus-rain clouds will develop.

Short-term, locally intense rainfall and thunderstorms are expected, accompanied by temporary wind gusts. The wind in the Sofia field will be light to moderate, first from the northwest, later with a northeasterly component. There is no sea water in the region, so a flag assessment does not apply, but it is recommended to avoid open spaces and high places during a storm.

Eastern Bulgaria

In Eastern Bulgaria – Northeastern and Southeastern Bulgaria – July 23rd will begin with scattered clouds and sunny hours. Minimum temperatures will be around 16–20°, and maximums will be in the range of 28–31°. In the morning hours, the weather will be calmer, but in the afternoon, cumulus-rain clouds will develop over the interior and the eastern slopes of the mountains.

Short-term rainfall and thunderstorms are possible in some places, but not everywhere. The wind will be light to moderate, mainly northeasterly, bringing cooler air towards the end of the day. The temperature of the sea water along the eastern coast (Varna, Shabla) will be around 24–26°C, with a sea state of 2–3 degrees. For swimming along the eastern beaches, the guideline for July 23rd is a yellow flag – good conditions for the sea, but with increased caution regarding local afternoon thunderstorms and stronger wind.

Western Bulgaria

In Western Bulgaria on July 23rd, the weather will be the most dynamic. The morning will be relatively cool, with temperatures around 13–17°, and during the day, maximums will range around 26–30°. By noon, powerful cumulus-rain clouds will develop over Western and Central Bulgaria.

Short-term but intense rainfall is expected in many places, with thunderstorms and locally larger amounts of rain. Squall wind gusts and small hail are possible, especially in the Danubian Plain and around mountain slopes. The wind will be light to moderate, most often northwesterly, gradually shifting towards the northeast. There is no sea water in these areas, so a flag assessment does not apply, but increased caution is recommended during heavy rain and storms.

In the mountains

In the mountains on July 23rd, the day will be changeable and cooler. In the morning, minimum temperatures along the ridges will be around 10–12°, and at medium altitudes – around 13–15°. Until noon, there will be sunny periods with scattered clouds, but in the afternoon, cumulus-rain clouds will develop over the Western and Central mountain regions.

Short-term rainfall and thunderstorms are expected, with more intense rain in some areas. The maximum temperature at about 1200 m will be around 21–23°, and at 2000 m – around 15–17°. The wind will be light to moderate, from the east-northeast, strengthening at higher altitudes as the front passes. Conditions for hiking are good in the morning, but in the afternoon, tourists should monitor the forecasts and avoid exposed ridges and peaks during a storm.

Black Sea Coast

Along the Black Sea coast on July 23rd, the weather will be the most stable in the country. The morning will be sunny, with temperatures around 20–22°, and during the day, maximums along the coast will reach about 29–31°. A clear sky will prevail with isolated cumulus clouds, and the probability of precipitation along the coast remains low.

The temperature of the sea water along the entire coast, including near Burgas, Varna, and Balchik, will be around 25–27°C, with a sea state of 2–3 degrees. The wind will be light to moderate, northeasterly, with a slight increase in the afternoon. With these parameters, the general preliminary safety assessment for swimming along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast on July 23rd is a green flag – very good conditions for the sea, with attention to the strong sun and high UV index.

The weather forecast was prepared with the support of our partner Atmosbg.