Changing Weather in the Mountains: Mountain Rescue Service Warns of Rain and Thunderstorms

The conditions for tourism in the Bulgarian mountains are currently good, but forecasters are warning of a sharp change in the weather in the afternoon hours. The Mountain Rescue Service (PSS) of the Bulgarian Red Cross (BChK) has called on tourists to exercise increased caution, especially in the high parts, where stormy meteorological phenomena are expected.

According to information from the PSS, in the mountain massifs there is currently scattered cloudiness and a weak wind is blowing. This apparent idyll, however, is about to be disturbed. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) predicts that in the second half of the day, cumulonimbus cloudiness will develop over the mountains. This will lead to short-term, but intense precipitation, accompanied by thunderstorms, in a large part of Western and Central Bulgaria. Experts do not rule out the possibility of hail, which further complicates the situation for tourists.

The wind will also intensify, with a moderate to temporarily strong wind from the north-northwest expected. Temperatures will remain relatively low for the season. At an altitude of 1200 meters, the maximum temperature will reach about 20 degrees Celsius, and at 2000 meters - about 14 degrees. These conditions require serious preparation on the part of mountaineers, who must be equipped for a rapid change in weather and not underestimate the risks.

In the meantime, the Mountain Rescue Service reported an incident that happened yesterday in the area of the famous Rila Lakes. An elderly woman suffered a fracture of her arm near the Fish Lake. A team from the rescue service in Dupnitsa immediately responded to the call, providing pre-hospital care to the injured person. Due to the nature of the trauma and the remoteness of the location, the woman was transported to the hospital by air ambulance, which emphasizes the importance of a fast and adequate response in such situations. This case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers in the mountains, even in visibly favorable conditions. The PSS urges all mountain tourism enthusiasts to carefully monitor the weather forecasts and be well prepared before every outing in the mountains.