Ankara Braces for Strong Winds and Storms on January 8
Ankara, January 8 – The Ankara Governor’s Office has issued an urgent weather alert, forecasting strong winds and localized storms across the capital city today. The warning, based on data from the General Directorate of Meteorology’s Analysis and Forecast Center, indicates that adverse weather conditions will prevail from 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM on Thursday, January 8.
Wind Speeds to Reach Up to 70 km/h
According to the meteorological data, winds will blow from the south and southwest directions, with speeds expected to range between 40-60 km/h. In higher elevations of Ankara, wind gusts could reach up to 70 km/h, posing significant risks to residents and infrastructure.
Officials have urged the public to exercise extreme caution and take necessary precautions against potential negative impacts. These include:
- Disruptions in transportation: Strong winds can affect road safety, potentially leading to traffic delays and accidents.
- Roof damage: The intensity of the winds and storms could cause roofs to be blown off, particularly in older or less structurally sound buildings.
- Poisoning from stoves and natural gas: High winds can interfere with ventilation systems, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from heating appliances.
The Governor’s Office emphasized the importance of staying informed about the latest weather updates and adhering to safety guidelines issued by authorities. Residents are advised to secure loose objects outdoors, avoid unnecessary travel during the peak hours of the storm, and ensure proper ventilation in their homes, especially if using stoves or natural gas heaters.
Previous Weather Warnings and Impact
Ankara has experienced various weather phenomena in recent times. For instance, on September 7, 2025, the Ankara Governor’s Office had warned of locally strong torrential rains and thunderstorms starting from the early hours of the night. This led to some areas, like the Şaşmaz region on Fatih Sultan Mehmet Boulevard, experiencing significant flooding, causing traffic disruptions and leaving vehicles stranded. However, these rains were also welcomed in areas like Kızılcahamam, which had been suffering from months of drought [yeniankara.com.tr](https://www.yeniankara.com.tr/ankara/ankarada-hava-durumu-nasil-olacak-meteoroloji-o-bolgeleri-uyardi-126094).
Earlier, on May 29, 2025, the Meteorology General Directorate had issued a thunderstorm warning for Ankara, particularly for its southern and eastern parts, advising citizens to be careful against sudden floods and lightning [hurriyet.com.tr](https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/meteorolojiden-ankara-icin-gok-gurultulu-saganak-uyarisi-42819850). Additionally, on December 30, 2025, a meteorological warning was issued for icing and frost events across Ankara, especially during night and morning hours, which was expected to continue until the beginning of the following week [ankara.gov.tr](https://www.ankara.gov.tr/meteorolojik-uyari301225).
These past events underscore the importance of taking current weather warnings seriously to mitigate potential risks and ensure public safety.
Source: sonsoz.com.tr
