Prof. Rachev: After 20 July, Bulgaria Enters Hot Summer Mode with Tropical Nights.

Until the end of the week, the weather across the country will remain relatively calm, with maximum temperatures in most areas ranging between 30 and 33 degrees Celsius.

A cold atmospheric front is expected to pass through, temporarily lowering temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees and creating conditions for brief afternoon showers and thunderstorms, mainly in western Bulgaria and the mountain ranges.

The more significant change will come after July 20, when a more stable anticyclone is expected to settle over the Balkans. It will bring a prolonged period of sunny and hot weather, with daytime temperatures in the warmest parts of the country rising to 35–38 degrees Celsius.

One of the main highlights of the forecast is the return of tropical nights. In southern Bulgaria, especially in the areas of Petrich, Plovdiv and some places along the Black Sea coast, minimum nighttime temperatures will not fall below 20 degrees, and in some places will remain between 23 and 24 degrees.

Although the heat will gradually intensify, current forecasts do not indicate extreme temperatures of 40 degrees. According to Rachev, in the second half of July temperatures may reach 38–39 degrees in the hottest areas, which is typical for the period.

The main feature of the upcoming weather, however, will not be record daytime temperatures, but prolonged hot days combined with increasingly frequent tropical nights.

Such weather conditions prevent the air from cooling sufficiently, making it harder for the body to recover physically. Rachev notes that high nighttime temperatures are among the most unpleasant aspects of summer heat, as they cause serious discomfort, especially for young children, elderly people and those with cardiovascular diseases.