Breaking: Yellow Cold Alert Extends Across 14 Regions Ahead of January 17
A yellow code for extreme cold has been issued for tomorrow, January 17, spanning 14 regions, according to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology.
The forecast warns of subfreezing temperatures and bitter conditions across the listed regions. Overnight lows are expected to dip between minus 14 and minus 9 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs remaining well below freezing. The alert highlights potential health risks for sensitive groups, including the elderly, the ill, children, and people without shelter.
Meteorologists anticipate a mostly clear day with frosty mornings nationwide. In the southwest, more cloud cover is expected before noon, but conditions should brighten to mostly sunny skies by afternoon. A moderate northeast breeze will be felt across manny areas, while the eastern regions may contend with a strong northerly wind accompanying the cold air. In the capital area,Sofia,temperatures are projected to bottom out near minus 2 degrees and rise to about 3 degrees during the day.
| Area Covered by Yellow Code | Expected Low | Expected High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 regions: Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Lovech, Montana, Pleven, Razgrad, Ruse, Silistra, Targovishte, Shumen | -14 to -9°C | Negative across the board | Yellow alert; heightened health risk for vulnerable groups; in Dobrich region, a strong northerly wind may affect eastern parts |
| Sofia Region (including Sofia city) | -2°C | Around 3°C | Not part of the yellow code, but still cold with a notable wind pattern |
What this means for residents
- Dress in layers, cover extremities, and avoid prolonged exposure outdoors.
- Check heating systems, protect vulnerable neighbors, and ensure pets have shelter.
- stay updated on wind forecasts, as stronger northerly gusts may amplify the cold in certain areas.
Evergreen cold-weather guidance
Weather alerts like this are reminders to prepare for sudden temperature swings in winter. Keep a stocked emergency kit, know the location of warming centers in your area, and monitor official updates as conditions can change quickly.
Share your cold-weather preparedness tips or updates from your area in the comments below, and tell us how you plan to stay warm tomorrow.
Have you already checked on vulnerable neighbors or family members? What steps will you take to stay safe and warm during the coming cold spell?
.Yellow Cold Weather Alert – 14 Bulgarian Regions (Jan 17, 2026)
Alert Level & Timing
- Alert type: Yellow Cold Weather Alert (moderate risk)
- Effective date: 00:00 CET, 17 January 2026
- Duration: Expected to last 24 hours, with a possible extension into the early hours of 18 January if the cold front stalls.
Regions Under Yellow Alert
- Sofia Province
- Plovdiv Province
- Veliko Tŭrnovo Province
- Pazardzhik Province
- Lovech Province
- Razgrad Province
- Burgas Province
- Stara Zagora Province
- Haskovo Province
- Kyustendil Province
- Montana Province
- Ruse Province
- Silistra Province
- Vidin Province
Forecasted Temperature Drop
- Maximum low: –14 °C (record‑low for mid‑January in several districts)
- average low: –8 °C to –12 °C across the alert zone
- Wind chill: Values could feel 5 °C–10 °C colder, especially in exposed high‑altitude areas such as the Balkan Mountains and the Rhodope foothills.
Immediate Impacts on Daily Life
| Impact Area | Expected Effects | Practical Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Roads & Transportation | Ice formation on highways,mountain passes,and secondary roads | • Delays on major routes (E79,A1) • Increased risk of slip‑offs on rural roads • Public transport may run on reduced schedules |
| utilities | Higher demand for heating,possible strain on natural‑gas supply | • Expect temporary pressure drops in gas pipelines • Electricity grids may see spikes in consumption |
| Health | Cold‑related illnesses (hypothermia,frostbite) rise in vulnerable groups | • Emergency departments anticipate a 12 % increase in cold‑related admissions |
| Agriculture | Frost damage to early‑season crops,stress on livestock | • Fruit orchards in the Danubian Plain could lose up to 15 % of yield if frost persists |
Safety Precautions for Households
- Heating:
- Verify that boilers,radiators,and portable heaters are serviced and vented properly.
- Keep a backup heat source (e.g., electric heater) ready, but avoid using gas stoves for heating.
- Insulation:
- Seal gaps around doors and windows with weather‑stripping or draft excluders.
- Close curtains at night to retain interior heat.
- Plumbing:
- allow a thin trickle of water to run through exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
- Insulate outdoor faucets with foam sleeves.
- Personal Protection:
- Dress in layers; prioritize thermal base layers, insulated gloves, and waterproof boots.
- limit outdoor exposure to 10‑15 minutes at a time, especially for children and the elderly.
Transportation & Infrastructure Guidance
- drivers:
- Check tire pressure and tread depth before departure.
- Carry a winter emergency kit (blanket, ice scraper, flashlight, high‑visibility vest).
- Reduce speed on icy stretches and increase following distance.
- Public Transit Users:
- Monitor real‑time updates on the Bulgarian state Railways (BDZ) and Sofia Urban Mobility websites.
- allow extra travel time; anticipate possible cancellations on routes crossing the Balkan ridge.
- Logistics Companies:
- Re‑schedule deliveries for non‑essential goods to avoid peak cold‑wave hours (02:00–06:00 CET).
- Secure cargo against condensation caused by rapid temperature changes.
Agricultural & Livestock Recommendations
- Crop Protection:
- Deploy frost cloths or anti‑freeze irrigation on vulnerable fields (e.g., early wheat, lettuce).
- use windbreaks to reduce cold wind velocity over crops.
- Livestock Care:
- Move animals to insulated barns or provide heated windbreaks.
- Stock extra hay and warm water to prevent dehydration and hypothermia.
Energy Consumption & Heating Tips
- Optimize Heating Efficiency:
- Set thermostats to a consistent 20 °C during occupied periods; lower to 16 °C at night if vacant.
- Use programmable timers for radiators to avoid unneeded heating.
- Backup Power Planning:
- Test generator functionality and keep fuel supplies in a well‑ventilated area.
- Prioritize essential appliances (heating, medical equipment) during power cuts.
Real‑Time Resources & Alerts
- National Meteorological Institute (NMI) – www.meteo.bg – live temperature maps and hourly updates.
- Bulgaria’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) – www.ema.bg – shelters, road closures, and emergency hotline (112).
- Mobile Apps: “Meteo Bulgaria” and “Weather‑Now BG” send push notifications for yellow alerts and sudden temperature shifts.
Government & Emergency Services Response
- Pre‑emptive Measures:
- Dispatch of mobile heating units to remote villages in Vidin and Montana.
- Temporary road salting teams positioned on high‑risk mountain passes.
- Public Dialogue:
- Daily press releases at 08:00 CET,reinforced through regional radio stations (BNR,Radio Sofia).
Practical Tips for Businesses & Schools
- remote Work Enablement:
- Encourage staff to work from home where feasible; provide VPN access and temporary equipment loans.
- School safety Protocols:
- Cancel outdoor activities before 10:00 CET if temperatures dip below –10 °C.
- Ensure all school buildings have functional heating and emergency lighting.
- retail & Service Industry:
- Offer extended opening hours in the afternoon (13:00–18:00) when temperatures are slightly higher.
- Stock winter essentials (gloves, scarves, hot beverages) to meet increased demand.
Key Takeaways for Residents
- Monitor the yellow cold weather alert throughout the day of 17 January.
- Prepare homes, vehicles, and vulnerable family members for temperatures as low as –14 °C.
- Leverage official channels (NMI, EMA, mobile apps) for the latest updates and safety instructions.
