Bulgaria is bracing for another day of frigid temperatures on Tuesday,January 13,2026,with widespread sub-zero conditions and scattered snowfall expected,particularly in northern regions and mountainous areas. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) reports that felt temperatures plummeted to -47°C in Rila and Pirin on January 12, underscoring the severity of the current cold snap. While a warming trend is anticipated later this week, residents are advised to prepare for possibly hazardous winter conditions including ice and strong winds in 20 regions.
Cold temperatures are expected to persist across Bulgaria on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, with overnight lows dropping significantly and only a slight increase in daytime temperatures. Cloud cover will increase, bringing scattered light snow to parts of Northern Bulgaria and the Stara Planina mountains, according to a weather forecast from the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH).
-47°C in Bulgaria on January 12: The felt temperature in Rila and Pirin according to NIMH
Temperatures
The lowest temperatures are forecast to be minus 14 degrees Celsius in Ruse. Razgrad and Silistra are expected to reach minus 13 degrees Celsius. Slightly warmer, minus 12 degrees Celsius, is predicted for Smolyan, Kyustendil, Veliko Tarnovo, Dobrich, and Pernik. Minus 10 degrees Celsius will be felt in Shumen, Montana, and Vratsa. Pleven, Gabrovo, and Sofia are expected to see a low of minus 9 degrees Celsius, while temperatures in Lovech and Blagoevgrad will dip to minus 8 degrees Celsius.
Winter conditions are worsening: Snow, wind and ice in 20 regions
Warming Trend
A rapid and noticeable warming trend is expected mid-week, with high temperatures reaching as high as 10 to 12 degrees Celsius in some areas on Thursday. Cloud cover will decrease to clear skies on Wednesday, and high clouds will appear from the west on Thursday. Winds will be light to moderate from the west-northwest.
Weekly weather forecast for January 12-18, 2026
Photos: iStock
