Dynamic weather and storms on July 17 in Burgas and across Bulgaria

On July 17, an active atmospheric front will pass over Bulgaria, bringing brief but locally intense showers, thunderstorms, and localized hail. According to data from the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH), the day will be dynamic, with a noticeable change in weather and cooling in parts of the country.

Burgas and the region

In Burgas and the region on July 17, variable to significantly cloudy weather is expected with the occurrence of showers and thunderstorms, more pronounced in the afternoon. Forecast values indicate temperatures in Burgas between 21° and around 29°, with the day described as "cloudy, rain with thunderstorms." The probability of precipitation is around 66%, and the expected rainfall amount reaches approximately 2.9 mm.

The wind over Burgas will be semi-strong, with a speed of about 8 m/s, mainly from northeasterly to northwesterly directions, which will increase the feeling of a cooler and restless day. The seawater temperature along the Southern Black Sea coast remains suitable for summer tourism – around 24°–26°, with a sea state of 1–2 Douglas scale.

Given the forecast for thunderstorms and showers, the preliminary assessment for swimming near Burgas is a yellow flag – beach activities are possible during calm periods, but with increased caution during the development of storms, wind strengthening, and increased wave action.

Sofia and the region

In Sofia and the surroundings, July 17 will be a day with variable cloudiness and local showers. The maximum temperature in the capital is expected to be around 29°–30°, and the minimum – around 17°. The noon hours will be the warmest, but with a trend for increasing cloudiness and possible brief rain in the afternoon.

The probability of precipitation around Sofia is estimated between 25–40%, and the wind will be light to moderate, mostly from the northeast, with speeds around 3–4 m/s. There is no seawater in the region and no flag assessment applies, but caution is recommended during thunderstorms and avoiding open spaces in the afternoon hours.

Eastern Bulgaria

In Eastern Bulgaria, including the regions of Varna, Burgas, and part of Northeastern Bulgaria, the morning will be mostly sunny, but by the afternoon, cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds will develop. In the northeastern regions, brief but locally intense showers, thunderstorms, and possible hail are expected, especially towards the evening and overnight into Saturday.

Maximum temperatures in the eastern part will be between 28° and 32°, with values slightly lower along the coast and higher in the interior. The wind will be light to moderate, initially from the southeast, and later will orient from the northwest and strengthen, bringing in cooler air. The seawater temperature along the eastern coast will be around 24°–27°, with a sea state of 1–2 Douglas scale. During calm hours, conditions for swimming are under a green flag, but with the development of storms and wind strengthening – yellow flag.

Western Bulgaria

In Western Bulgaria, the most dynamic situation for the day is expected. A cold atmospheric front will pass through the territory, bringing brief but intense showers, thunderstorms, and localized hail. In Central Bulgaria and the northeastern regions, warning codes have been issued for July 17 – orange for intense rainfall (30–50 l/sq.m) and hail, and a yellow code applies to part of the western regions.

Temperatures will be varied: around 24–25° in the far northwestern regions and up to 37–38° in the southeastern parts of the country – for example, around Stara Zagora, Veliko Tarnovo, and Blagoevgrad – especially until the early afternoon. The wind will orient from the northwest, will strengthen, and after the passage of the storms, will bring noticeable cooling. There are no sea beaches in these regions, and no flag assessment applies, but caution is recommended when working and moving outdoors.

In the mountains

In the mountain ranges, July 17 will begin mostly sunny, but around and after noon, cumulonimbus clouds will develop, with brief showers, thunderstorms, and local hail expected in many places. A light to moderate southwesterly wind will blow, which by evening will orient from the northwest and strengthen.

The maximum temperature at about 1200 m will be near 25°, and at 2000 m – around 17°, which provides pleasant conditions for walking, but with a serious risk of afternoon thunderstorm processes. There is no seawater in the mountains, but tourists should monitor meteorological warnings and avoid high open areas during the development of storms.

Black Sea coast

Along the Black Sea coast, the weather on July 17 will be mostly sunny during the morning and most of the day, especially along the Southern Black Sea coast. In the afternoon, cumulus cloudiness will develop, and along the northern coast, brief showers are possible. Overnight into Saturday along the northern Black Sea coast, more intense showers, thunderstorms, and local hail are expected.

Maximum temperatures along the coast will be between 28° and 32°, and the seawater temperature – around 24°–27°, with a sea state of 1–2 Douglas scale. The wind along the coast will be light to moderate, first from the southeast, and later from the northwest. For swimming, the general assessment is a green flag during most of the day along the Southern Black Sea coast and a yellow flag along the Northern coast, especially towards evening, when more intense storms and temporary increases in wave action are expected.

The weather forecast is compiled with the support of our partner Atmosbg.