Weather Alert & Green Milestones: A Day of Extremes

PLOVDIV — Bulgarians are facing a day of contrasts, with dangerous weather sweeping across the country just as a major environmental milestone is celebrated in the south.

Code Yellow in Effect Meteorologists have issued a “Code Yellow” warning for 17 regions today, including Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. A powerful weather front is bringing heavy rains and wind gusts of up to 80 km/h. Emergency services are on high alert for localized flooding, particularly in the southern Rhodope mountains, where rainfall is expected to be most intense.

A Green Silver Lining Amidst the grey skies, a bright spot for the country’s infrastructure emerged in the village of Benkovski. Today marked the official opening of Bulgaria’s first quaternary wastewater treatment plant.

Unlike standard facilities, this cutting-edge plant is designed to remove micropollutants—such as pharmaceutical residues and microplastics—that traditional plants miss.

• The Tech: It uses advanced filtration and oxidation processes.

• The Goal: To protect the sensitive ecosystems of the Maritsa River basin.

“This is not just about meeting EU standards,” said the Minister of Environment at the opening ceremony. “It is about ensuring that the water we return to nature is as clean as the water we take from it.”