Istanbul Braces for Severe Winter Weather: AKOM Issues Warnings
Istanbul and the wider Marmara Region are set to experience a significant shift in weather conditions, with meteorologists and the Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) issuing urgent warnings. After a period of heavy rainfall and strong winds, the city is expected to face freezing temperatures and snowfall in several districts starting Monday.
Meteorology Directorate Forecasts Widespread Precipitation and Cold Front
According to the latest assessments from the General Directorate of Meteorology, the entire country is anticipated to be cloudy and rainy. Precipitation will primarily be in the form of rain and showers, with thunderstorms expected along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Higher elevations in the Inner Aegean, northeastern Inner Anatolia, inland parts of the Black Sea region, and Eastern Anatolia will likely see mixed rain and snow, or solely snow.
Particularly heavy rainfall is forecast for the Coastal Aegean, Mediterranean coasts, western Southeastern Anatolia, Çanakkale, Tekirdağ, Kahramanmaraş, Bingöl, Muş, Bitlis, Şırnak, and Hakkari. Eastern Antalya, Hatay, and Osmaniye are expected to experience very strong rainfall. Eastern regions should prepare for ice and frost. The inner parts of the Eastern Black Sea region and Eastern Anatolia face an avalanche risk in areas with high snow cover and steep slopes.
Temperatures are expected to remain around seasonal norms in the southeastern parts of the country, while other regions will experience temperatures above seasonal norms. Winds will generally be from the south, shifting to the north in Marmara, blowing lightly to moderately. Strong winds (40-60 km/h) are anticipated in the Southern Aegean, Western Mediterranean, southern Inner Anatolia, and the inner parts of the Eastern Black Sea region.
AKOM’s Specific Warnings for Istanbul
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) has issued a warning to residents regarding the impending storm, heavy rainfall, and mixed rain and snow expected to last until Wednesday, February 4th. Temperatures, currently ranging between 6-9 degrees Celsius, are predicted to drop below 5 degrees Celsius, reaching winter values, starting Monday.
With the arrival of a cold air mass on Monday morning, temperatures are expected to fall to snow-level values. Western districts such as Silivri, Çatalca, Arnavutköy, Büyükçekmece, and Başakşehir may experience mixed rain and snow, or even heavy snowfall. Citizens are advised to be prepared and take precautions against winter conditions.
Istanbul Governorship Issues Further Alerts
The Istanbul Governorship has also issued a warning, stating that air temperatures across the city will decrease, accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds. According to the latest assessments from the General Directorate of Meteorology, scattered rain and showers are expected to be locally strong starting today, with minimum temperatures around 5 degrees and maximum temperatures around 8 degrees Celsius.
On Monday, February 2nd, the weather will be very cloudy with scattered rain and showers, which are expected to be locally strong. The minimum temperature is forecast to be 6 degrees and the maximum 8 degrees Celsius. By Tuesday, February 3rd, the weather will be partly cloudy to very cloudy, with a minimum temperature of 2 degrees and a maximum of 7 degrees Celsius.
The statement emphasized, “Winds are expected to blow strongly (40-60 km/h) today and until Monday night. Local heavy rainfall is also anticipated across the province on Sunday and Monday. Therefore, caution and precautions should be taken against possible adverse conditions.”
Orange and Yellow Alerts for 13 Provinces
A yellow alert was issued for Adana, Antalya, Aydın, Balıkesir, Bitlis, Burdur, Çanakkale, Diyarbakır, Hakkari, Hatay, Mersin, İzmir, Manisa, Kahramanmaraş, Muğla, Siirt, Batman, Şırnak, and Osmaniye on January 31st.
For February 1st, an orange alert was issued for İzmir and Aydın, while a yellow alert was in place for Antalya, Balıkesir, Burdur, Çanakkale, Denizli, Edirne, Isparta, Kırklareli, Konya, Manisa, and Muğla.
Storm Warning for Western Marmara
The General Directorate of Meteorology also issued a storm warning for the western Marmara region. Winds are expected to blow strongly and in the form of a storm (50-70 km/h) from the east and northeast in the south of Kırklareli and Edirne (Enez, Keşan, Meriç, Uzunköprü, and İpsala) starting this morning. Authorities noted that precautions should be taken against adverse conditions such as disruptions in transportation, roof damage, and falling trees due to the storm.
Will Semester Break Be Extended?
Following the warnings of an effective cold wave and snowfall, attention has turned to potential school holiday decisions by provincial governorships. However, no official statement has been made yet regarding an extension of the semester break, which is set to end on Monday, February 2nd.
