Extremely hot weather awaits us today, August 22. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) has announced second and first level warnings (orange and yellow codes) for dangerous temperatures for the entire country.
The weather forecast shows that the day will be one of the hottest this summer, with thermometers in places reaching an extreme 41°C.
Orange code for five areas: Where will the heat be most relentless?
According to data from the on-duty weather forecasters, published in the official bulletin of btvnovinite.bg (source: https://btvnovinite.bg), the second level of danger – orange code, is in force for four districts in Northern Bulgaria and one in Southern Bulgaria:
Vidin Montana Vratsa Pleven BlagoevgradIn these regions, the maximum temperatures in the afternoon hours will vary between 38°C and 41°C. Authorities advise citizens to avoid being outdoors between 12:00 and 17:00, when solar radiation is strongest.
Yellow code for the rest of Bulgaria
For all other regions of the country, including the capital Sofia, yellow code. Prevailing maximum temperatures in most of the lowlands are expected to be between 34°C and 39°C, reports the information portal vesti.bg (source: https://www.vesti.bg). In Sofia, thermometers will read around 35°C.
During the day, the weather will be mostly sunny with a light easterly wind, and in the western regions - to moderate northwesterly wind. In the afternoon, cumulus clouds will develop over the mountain ranges in Western Bulgaria, with short-term summer rain possible in isolated places.
Rescue on the Black Sea Coast and in the mountains
For people who want to escape the city heat, the seaside and the high mountains remain the best alternative, report colleagues from dnes.bg (source: https://www.dnes.bg).
On the Black Sea Coast: The weather will be sunny and pleasantly cool compared to the interior of the country. The maximum temperatures at sea (Varna and Burgas) will be between 27°C and 30°C. The sea water temperature is around 24°C - 25°C, and the sea waves will be moderate – 2-3 points. In the mountains: Hiking conditions will be excellent before noon. The maximum temperature at an altitude of 1200 meters will be around 30°C, and at 2000 meters – around 21°C. After lunch, local precipitation is expected over the massifs in Western Bulgaria.
What's next at the beginning of next week?
The heat will not last long at these extreme values. According to the medium-term weather forecast of Sinoptik.bg (source: https://www.sinoptik.bg), a gradual decrease in temperatures is expected from Monday (August 24). Around the middle of next week (Wednesday and Thursday), atmospheric dynamics are forecast to intensify with an increased risk of intense rainfall, thunderstorms and local hail in many regions of Bulgaria.
Specialists remind people to consume more fluids (at least 2.5 - 3 liters of water per day) during hot hours, wear light-colored clothing made of natural materials and avoid alcohol and heavy foods.