Turkey is set to experience a true winter this week, with widespread precipitation and significantly colder temperatures. The current weather forecast indicates that gloves and hats will become essential as morning temperatures across most of the country, from west to east, are expected to fall below 5°C. Residents of Istanbul, in particular, are eager to know when and where snow will fall, and how long it will last. Here are the detailed, city-specific weather reports for December 24, 2025, and the days leading up to the New Year.
Istanbul Braces for Snow: AKOM and Meteorologists Issue Warnings
Meteorological reports have been updated, and snow warnings are pouring in. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) and CNN TÜRK Meteorology Consultant Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen have issued snow warnings for Istanbul, specifying dates. Temperatures are expected to drop below 5°C. Snowfall has already begun in the higher elevations of Ankara, with further warnings for the weekend.
Current Weather Conditions and Outlook for the Week
As of Wednesday, December 24, precipitation in the western regions has largely ceased, but it will continue intermittently along the Black Sea coast for a few more days. Temperatures have decreased to seasonal norms. Istanbul will see temperatures around 10-11°C during the day, with occasional rain showers from the Black Sea. The rest of the week in Istanbul is expected to be mostly dry, though light rain is possible on Thursday, December 25.
Widespread Snowfall Across Anatolia and Key Cities
Cold and rainy weather will persist intermittently across Anatolia for the next 8-10 days. By the end of this period, significant snowfall is expected to create a white blanket in many major city centers and high-altitude areas. Today, light snow may be observed in Sivas, Erzincan, Gümüşhane, and Bayburt. For the approaching weekend, December 27-28, new snowfall and cold winds are anticipated across the Black Sea, Central, and Eastern Anatolia, as well as the high elevations of Marmara. Those planning to travel before the New Year should be particularly cautious of ice and intermittent snow in Anatolia.
Travel Warnings and Road Conditions
Current forecasts predict snowfall on Saturday, December 27, in cities such as Ankara, Eskişehir, Bursa, Bolu, Düzce, Kastamonu, Bartın, and Zonguldak. Light to moderate snowfall on the highways between Ankara and Istanbul may cause traffic delays. It is strongly advised not to embark on intercity travel this weekend without winter preparations, as snowfall will be widespread. While thick snow covers are not expected everywhere, roads could see accumulations of 2 to 10 centimeters. Higher elevations may experience heavier snowfall, potentially disrupting transportation this weekend.
Coastal Regions and Southern Turkey Weather Update
For the Aegean coast and Antalya, the next rainy days are expected on Thursday, December 25, and Sunday, December 28. No heavy rainfall is currently predicted for İzmir, where daytime temperatures hover around 14°C and nighttime temperatures around 6°C. The cold air mass expected from the weekend will have less impact on the western coasts, Thracian region, and the Antalya-Muğla areas, with less precipitation in these parts.
Black Sea Region: Heavy Snow and Potential Road Closures
The interior regions of the Black Sea will experience snowfall and temperatures 6-7°C colder than today between Saturday, December 27, and Friday, January 2. Snowfall is expected in the Black Sea highlands, with snow covers on roads leading to these areas. Coastal centers like Samsun, Trabzon, and Rize will see rain and occasional mixed rain and snow. The heavier snowfall in the interior Black Sea regions could temporarily close village roads, though there are still 4-5 days for forecasts to be refined, snow is highly probable, and preparations are advised.
Polar Air Mass Bringing Much-Needed Precipitation
This weather system, which is bringing winter precipitation and cold weather to Turkey after a long dry spell, originates from polar regions and is moving along the Russia-Crimea-Black Sea-Turkey route. Cyclonic activity between Russia and Ukraine is further sustaining the cold. Southern regions are also receiving rainfall from another low-pressure system forming around Cyprus. In the Mediterranean and Southeastern regions, precipitation will mostly be rain, but snow is likely in the high elevations of the Southeast over the weekend and next week.
Positive Impact on Water Resources
This 10-day period is expected to be beneficial for major cities struggling with drought, agricultural lands, and mountains and hills longing for snow cover. Let’s be prepared for the increasing intensity and widespread precipitation and cold winds starting Saturday, December 27. These seasonal and beneficial rains, which can contribute to water basins, may continue only in the Black Sea and parts of Eastern Anatolia on New Year’s Eve, December 31. While the probability of snow in Istanbul on New Year’s Eve is not high, the approaching cold air mass could bring some Istanbul neighborhoods into the snow zone. Central districts and higher elevations of Bursa have a chance of snowfall on December 30-31. Even if not long-lasting, Bursa might see snow before the New Year. Düzce and Karabük’s higher elevations could also turn white before the New Year. Turkey will receive some of the much-needed snowfall. We hope for a healthy winter, and the areas expecting snow will be revised in the next update.
AKOM’s Weekly Weather Forecast for Istanbul
AKOM has released Istanbul’s weekly weather forecast report. The statement from AKOM indicates that
