At present, there is no risk of the formation of ice drift in the Bulgarian–Romanian section of the Danube River. No ice phenomena are observed, except in the areas of winter harbors and backwater basins, where there is no river current. This was clarified at a meeting initiated by Regional Governor Mr. Dragomir Draganov and hosted by the Executive Agency for Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Executive Agency “Maritime Administration,” Border Police, the Port Complex – Ruse, and Port of Ruse – West.
The Executive Director of the Executive Agency for Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River, Mr. Ivelin Zanev, specified that no ice drift is expected, given the water temperature in the joint Bulgarian–Romanian section, which is between 1°C and 3°C, the flowing water volumes (around 4,700–5,000 m³/s) at water levels above 200 cm, and the meteorological forecasts for a gradual increase in temperatures over the coming days.
Starting today, 22nd January 2026, maximum temperatures along the river will be above zero, while minimum temperatures will range from −1°C to −4°C, he added.
The most recent observed ice phenomena were recorded during the winter of 2016–2017. Near Silistra, ice drift lasted for 28 days, during 12 of which the river was completely frozen. Near Ruse, ice phenomena were observed for 30 days, with complete freezing lasting 3 days. Average daily temperatures ranged from −10.3°C to −11.13°C, whereas under the current situation they have been recorded between −2.3°C and −8.6°C. Water volumes during the appearance of ice phenomena in the winter of 2016–2017 ranged from 2,400 to 2,700 m³/s.
