Winter has made a sudden return across Turkey, with temperatures plummeting by approximately 10 degrees Celsius. Istanbul is bracing for heavy rainfall throughout the day, with the possibility of sleet and snow in higher elevations during the evening hours.
Yellow Weather Warning Issued for 19 Provinces
The Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM) has issued a yellow code warning for 19 provinces due to the anticipated severe weather conditions. These provinces include Adana, Adıyaman, Afyonkarahisar, Ankara, Antalya, Burdur, Denizli, Hatay, Isparta, Mersin, Kayseri, Kırşehir, Konya, Malatya, Kahramanmaraş, Sivas, Aksaray, Karaman, and Osmaniye.
According to the MGM’s daily weather forecast report, the entire country is expected to experience precipitation. This will primarily be in the form of rain and showers, with thunderstorms along the southern and western coasts. The northern and eastern parts of Eastern Anatolia, along with Thrace, the inner parts of the Western Black Sea region, the northern parts of Central Anatolia, and the Taurus Mountains, are likely to see mixed rain and snow, with snow at higher altitudes.
Heavy Rainfall, Strong Winds, and Avalanche Risk
The rainfall is expected to be particularly heavy in the southern parts of Central Anatolia, the western parts of Eastern Anatolia, the western parts of Southeastern Anatolia, Central and Eastern Mediterranean regions, and around Bitlis. Northern Adana and western Kahramanmaraş are forecast to experience very heavy and violent rainfall, raising concerns about flash floods, inundation, and disruptions to transportation.
Furthermore, freezing and frost are predicted for the northeastern parts of Eastern Anatolia during the morning and night. There is also an increased risk of avalanches and snowmelt in the high-altitude, steep areas of the Eastern Black Sea’s inner regions and eastern Eastern Anatolia, which have significant snow cover.
Dust transportation is also anticipated in the eastern Mediterranean and southeastern Anatolia regions.
Warnings for Strong Winds and Potential Hazards
The wind is generally expected to blow from the south, but from the north in the Marmara, Aegean coast, and Western Black Sea coastal areas. Winds are forecast to be moderate, but may reach strong and short-term gale-force speeds (40-75 km/h) in areas outside of Southeastern Anatolia. Residents are advised to be cautious and take precautions against potential issues such as disruptions in transportation, flying roofs, falling trees, and carbon monoxide poisoning from stoves and natural gas heaters.
Istanbul’s Weather Outlook
In Istanbul, after a day of heavy rainfall, sleet and snow are expected to affect the higher parts of the city in the evening. The temperature drop marks a stark return to winter conditions after a period of milder weather.
Authorities urge citizens in affected areas to stay informed about the latest weather updates and to take necessary precautions for their safety and property.
