Winter Returns with a Vengeance: Istanbul on Snow Alert
Istanbul, Turkey – Winter has made an unexpected comeback across Turkey, with temperatures plummeting by approximately 10 degrees. The Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM) has issued a yellow code warning for 19 provinces, signaling a significant shift in weather conditions. Istanbul, in particular, is preparing for sleet and snow in its higher altitudes during the evening hours.
The cold front, which began impacting the western regions on Wednesday, has brought widespread rainfall. While most areas will experience rain and showers, southern and western coastal areas are expected to see thunderstorms. The northern and eastern parts of Eastern Anatolia, along with parts of Thrace, the inner sections of the Western Black Sea, the northern parts of Central Anatolia, and the Taurus Mountains region, are forecast to receive mixed rain and snow, with snow expected at higher elevations.
Widespread Warnings Issued Across Turkey
The MGM’s daily weather forecast report highlights several critical warnings:
- Strong Rainfall Warning: Intense rainfall is anticipated in the southern parts of Central Anatolia, western Eastern Anatolia, western Southeastern Anatolia, Central and Eastern Mediterranean regions, and around Bitlis. Northern Adana and western Kahramanmaraş are expected to experience very strong to severe rainfall. Residents are advised to be cautious of sudden floods, inundation, and disruptions to transportation.
- Strong Wind Warning: Winds are generally expected from the south, with northern winds in Marmara, coastal Aegean, and Western Black Sea regions. Winds are projected to be moderate, but may reach strong and short-term gale force (40-75 km/h) in areas outside Southeastern Anatolia. Precautions should be taken against potential disruptions in transportation, roof damage, falling trees, and carbon monoxide poisoning from stoves and natural gas heaters.
- Freezing and Frost: Freezing and frost are predicted for the northeastern parts of Eastern Anatolia during morning and night hours.
- Avalanche and Snowmelt Risk: High-altitude areas with significant snow cover in the inner parts of the Eastern Black Sea and eastern Eastern Anatolia face risks of avalanches and snowmelt.
- Dust Transport: Dust transport is expected in the eastern parts of the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeastern Anatolia.
The 19 provinces under a yellow code warning are: Adana, Adıyaman, Afyonkarahisar, Ankara, Antalya, Burdur, Denizli, Hatay, Isparta, Mersin, Kayseri, Kırşehir, Konya, Malatya, Kahramanmaraş, Sivas, Aksaray, Karaman, and Osmaniye.
Residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and minimize potential disruptions caused by the sudden return of winter weather.
