Hot summer conditions will continue across Bulgaria on Friday, July 17, with sunshine expected over most of the country during the first half of the day before conditions become more unstable in the afternoon.
Clouds are forecast to build later in the day, developing into cumulus and thunderstorm clouds over parts of the country. Brief showers and thunderstorms are expected mainly in northeastern Bulgaria and across mountainous regions. Winds will remain light to moderate from the east-northeast, while daytime temperatures will reach between 31C and 36C in most areas. Sofia is expected to see a high of around 31C.
Mountain areas will begin the day with mostly clear skies before cloud cover increases during the afternoon. Localized rain showers and thunderstorms are likely, with the most intense activity expected over the Rila-Rhodope region and the central sections of the Stara Planina mountain range. Winds will be light from the northeast, becoming moderate from the north-northwest at higher elevations. Temperatures are forecast to reach about 23C at 1,200 meters and around 16C at 2,000 meters.
Along the Black Sea coast, sunny weather will dominate through much of the day. Afternoon cloud development may bring isolated thunderstorms, particularly along the northern coastline. Northeasterly to easterly winds will remain light to moderate, while daytime temperatures will range from 28C to 30C. Sea water temperatures are expected to stay between 22C and 24C, with calm conditions and waves generally around one point, increasing to two points along the far northern coast.
