26.07.2026 14:13
The General Directorate of Meteorology has issued "yellow" and "orange" coded warnings for 35 provinces due to the expected heavy rain and thunderstorms across Turkey. While temperatures are forecast to drop significantly in the northern and western parts of the country, Meteorology Expert Orhan Şen stated, "We expect severe rainfall, and there is a possibility it could turn into a disaster." Meanwhile, today marks the coolest July day in Turkey in the last 21 years.
According to data from the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM), heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across 7 regions of Turkey. With the rainy weather, temperatures fall below seasonal norms, and today is recorded as the coolest July day in the last 21 years. Experts warn that the expected heavy rainfall could turn into a disaster.
YELLOW AND ORANGE CODE WARNINGS FOR 35 PROVINCES
According to MGM's latest assessments, heavy rainfall will affect the northern, central, and western parts of the country. Yellow and orange alerts have been issued for a total of 35 cities, especially in the Black Sea and Marmara regions, due to the risk of floods and waterlogging.
YELLOW ALERT (22 provinces) Istanbul, Ankara, Adana, Balikesir, Bilecik, Bursa, Canakkale, Cankiri, Eskisehir, Hatay, Kayseri, Kirsehir, Konya, Kahramanmaras, Nigde, Sivas, Tekirdag, Yozgat, Kirikkale, Yalova, Karabuk, and Osmaniye.
ORANGE ALERT (13 provinces) Amasya, Bolu, Corum, Kastamonu, Kocaeli, Ordu, Sakarya, Samsun, Sinop, Tokat, Zonguldak, Bartin, and Duzce.
UP TO 100 KILOGRAMS OF RAINFALL PER SQUARE METER EXPECTED
In regions where the rainfall will intensify, the amount of water per square meter is forecast to reach critical levels. Heavy rainfall (21-50 kg/m2) is expected in the south and east of Marmara, the inner parts of the Eastern Mediterranean, northwestern Central Anatolia, and some surrounding provinces. Along the western and central Black Sea coasts, as well as around Kocaeli, Sakarya, Bolu, and Ordu, this amount is estimated to be very heavy and severe (51-100 kg/m2).
Authorities have called on citizens to take precautions against adverse conditions such as flash floods, waterlogging, lightning, local hail, and short-term storms.
PROF. DR. ORHAN SEN: THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF IT TURNING INTO A DISASTER
Meteorology Expert Prof. Dr. Orhan Sen, evaluating the expected rainfall scenario, highlighted the seriousness of the situation with the following warnings:
"We expect heavy rainfall in the Marmara Region, including Istanbul. Starting from Saturday noon, the Black Sea coastal area, including Duzce, Zonguldak, Bartin, Sinop, Samsun, and up to Giresun, will experience very heavy rainfall. The risk of streams overflowing there is very high. There is a possibility of it turning into a disaster."
WIND, DUST TRANSPORT, AND SUDDEN TEMPERATURE DROP
In addition to heavy rainfall, notable changes in the weather will occur. Temperatures in the northern and western parts will decrease significantly, falling below seasonal norms. With this weather wave affecting the country, Turkey is experiencing its coolest July day in the last 21 years. Winds from northerly directions are expected to be occasionally strong (50-70 km/h) along the Aegean coast and in the Marmara region. Light dust transport will be effective in the Southeastern Anatolia Region from noon onwards.