Balkans and Black Sea Face Fog, Rain, and High-Altitude Snow Amidst Polar Vortex Instability

Southeastern Europe, including Bulgaria and the Black Sea coast, is currently contending with widespread atmospheric fog on February 13, 2026, indicative of a complex weather pattern. This dense fog is expected to reduce visibility most significantly within the valleys across the southern Balkan Peninsula. This event occurs within a broader European context marked by structural failures of the polar vortex, which have been associated with contrasting weather conditions across the continent.

Temperatures for the day are forecast to remain relatively mild, generally between 5°C and 10°C. Bulgaria anticipates highs ranging from 4°C to 6°C, with the capital, Sofia, expected to reach a maximum of approximately 7°C. Overnight lows across most affected zones are predicted to settle between 0°C and 5°C, with Sofia's minimum anticipated around 2°C. This air mass contrasts with historical February conditions where northern Bulgaria often experiences persistent freezing temperatures due to incursions of cold air from the north.

Significant precipitation is projected for mountainous zones situated above the 1500-1600 meter elevation, where snow accumulation is anticipated. Key elevated areas such as the Rilo-Rhodope massif, Strandzha, and Sakar are highlighted for substantial snow build-up. In these higher elevations, moderate to strong northwesterly winds will drive temperatures down to roughly 4°C at 1200 meters and below freezing to approximately -1°C at 2000 meters.

The Black Sea coastal areas face a dual challenge of dense fog and incoming rainfall. Rain is scheduled to begin along the southern coast in the morning, expanding to cover the entire coastline by the evening. Winds along the coast are forecast to be strong, originating from the northwest, with maximum air temperatures reaching between 8°C and 9°C. Sea conditions will feature water temperatures from 5°C to 7°C, accompanied by wave heights registering 2 to 3 points on the scale.

Looking ahead, a period of warmer weather is projected to persist through the weekend, with minimum temperatures climbing to between 12°C and 17°C. Saturday is forecast to bring the dissipation of the persistent fog, although rain may return on Sunday. The beginning of the following week signals a definitive shift as strengthening northwesterly winds lead to a nationwide temperature drop. By Tuesday, the forecast indicates that snow is likely to cover the entire country, with temperatures plunging to a range between minus 2°C and 3°C, marking a return to more severe winter conditions.