The traditionally cold January winter in Bulgaria is expected to show its full potential, with temperatures dropping to - 17 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday.

The minimal temperatures expected in most Bulgarian cities and towns are - 13 degrees.

The thermometers will hardly show anything above -8 degrees in most parts of the country. During the weekend, the temperatures are expected to rise to 3 degrees, before falling again.

The freezing weather conditions will probably continue in the first 10 days of February, with temperatures bellow 0 prevailing in the whole country, according to Bulgaria's national Meteorological Institute.