Even though the mercury will not fall below zero, code yellow has been declared for almost all Bulgarian regions (22 out of 28) Friday over the forecast for heavy rains, snow and icy roads.

The forecast has been issued by the Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, BAS.

Code yellow means potentially dangerous weather, where the forecast is not for unusual meteorological events, but requires people to exercise caution.

The warning covers the regions of Montana, Vidin, Vratsa, Lovech, Gabrovo, Smolyan, Pazardzhik, Blagoevgrad, Plovdiv, Pernik, Kyustendil, Sofia District and Sofia-city, where rain, snow and icy roads are expected.

In the regions of Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Targovishte, Pleven, Sliven, Yambol, Haskovo, Kardjali, Stara Zagora the forecast is for heavy rainfalls.

The minimum temperatures will be between 1 and 6 degrees Celsius, while the maximum will range from 5 to 10.

The precipitations in eastern Bulgaria will be of rain, but will turn into snow before stopping.

Traffic police are advising drivers to use caution and to avoid travels unless absolutely necessary.