Bulgaria’s national meteorological institute issued weather warnings for January 10 across the country, citing forecast icy conditions, snowfall and plunging temperatures that could disrupt transport and daily life.
A higher-level Code Orange warning for dangerous weather was declared for most districts, including Sofia city and region, Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Pernik, Kyustendil, Lovech, Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse, Razgrad, Shumen, Silistra, Burgas, Yambol, Haskovo, Kardzhali and Smolyan. The remaining districts were placed under a Code Yellow alert for potentially hazardous conditions, also due to ice.
The meteorological service said cloud cover and precipitation would dominate the next 24 hours. Rain and snow are expected overnight in many parts of western Bulgaria, with freezing conditions likely to cause ice on roads and pavements.
By the end of the day, rainfall is forecast to spread nationwide, with heavier amounts expected in southern regions. Winds will blow moderately from the south-southwest before shifting to the north-northwest, bringing colder air, while eastern areas will see winds turning northeasterly.
In northeastern Bulgaria, rain is expected to turn to snow later in the day, with ice formation forecast in the region and in sub-Balkan areas.
Temperatures are expected to range from minus 3 to 2 degrees Celsius overnight, including around minus 3 degrees in Sofia. Daytime highs are forecast between 3 and 8 degrees, with Sofia around 3 degrees.
Mountain regions will see cloudy conditions and snowfall, particularly heavy in southwestern massifs, accompanied by strong to stormy winds. Along the Black Sea coast, cloudy weather with rain showers is expected, with temperatures reaching between 8 and 12 degrees.
Separately, Sofia municipality said 109 snow-clearing machines were deployed overnight to treat roads with anti-icing materials and clear snow from major streets and boulevards. Public transport services that were temporarily disrupted due to snowfall have since been restored, local authorities said.
Authorities urged motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution as wintry conditions persist.