Sofia is under heavy snowfall on February 1 2010 as the entire country braces itself for another winter onslaught.

Most of northern and western Bulgaria will be subjected to a fresh snow cover, whereas elsewhere in the country it will rain. As temperatures progressively drop, however, the rain will eventually turn to snow as well, the Bulgarian Meteorological Institute reported on its website.

Along the Black Sea coast, rain will also turn into snow, the weather report says. Average temperatures will be at about 5C, with predominant moderate westerly winds.

Weather conditions in the mountains on February 1 will be "dynamic", according to the report. Prevailing strong southwesterly winds in the morning and early afternoon will be followed by a shifting weather system that will bring strong northwesterly winds. With that, a new cold front will descend over the country by the end of the day.

Snow is to be expected anywhere above 1000m of elevation. At 1200m temperatures will be at -4, at 2000m and above at about -10C. Average for the country will be between 0C and 4C while Sofia is expected to be at about 2C.

In the southeastern part of the country, where southeasterly winds will prevail until late afternoon, temperatures are expected to remain at about 8C.

Conditions for mountain tourism are poor due to strong winds, heavy snow and poor visibility. With yet another fresh snow cover expected to reach 10cm in places, the danger of potential avalanches is severe. Skiers and snowboarders should only remain at designated slopes.