11.01.2026 10:50
The General Directorate of Meteorology issued a heavy snowfall warning for 55 cities, including Istanbul and Ankara, which are on alert. AKOM announced that strong snowfall will begin in Istanbul starting from 06:00 tomorrow morning. Meteorology expert Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen stated, "It would be beneficial for schools to be closed. There could be chaos. It will suddenly hit. It seems like it will turn into a bit of a white ordeal. On Monday."
The General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM) issued a warning for heavy snowfall in 55 provinces for Monday and Tuesday. Among the cities expected to experience snowfall are Istanbul and Ankara, while AKOM announced that snowfall will begin in the city at 06:00 tomorrow morning. Meteorology expert Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen stated, "It would be beneficial for schools to be closed. There could be chaos. It will suddenly hit. It seems like it will turn into a bit of a white ordeal. On Monday," he expressed.
AKOM'S WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOWFALL IN ISTANBUL
AKOM announced that snowfall will begin in the city at 06:00 tomorrow morning. In a warning made today by AKOM, it was stated, "While a rainy sky is expected throughout the day, it is predicted that the precipitation will turn into mixed rain and snow in higher regions starting from the night hours. It is expected that the precipitation will be effective as heavy snowfall in various places across the province starting from tomorrow morning (06:00)." Tomorrow, the maximum temperature is expected to be 3 degrees and the minimum 0 degrees, with precipitation amounts expected to be between 10-20 cm.
WARNING FROM THE GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF METEOROLOGY
As the most severe storm in recent years affected Turkey throughout the night, a new warning came from the General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM). Meteorology issued a yellow code warning for storms and floods across the country, except for 13 provinces. It is expected that the strong downpour will give way to snowfall in the evening hours, and temperatures will drop suddenly by 6-7 degrees. According to the forecasts of the General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM), a new cold air wave coming from the Balkans will show its effects across the country starting from the evening hours, where storms and heavy rainfall are dominant. The storm, which uproots roofs and topples trees and poles, will continue today as well.
DISRUPTION OF EDUCATION MAY BE ON THE AGENDA
MGM, in its 5-day weather forecast report published on its website, warned for 55 provinces, noting that snowfall is expected in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara on Monday and Tuesday. Following the warnings, attention turned to the statements to be made by the governorship. Experts indicated that if the expected precipitation occurs, it is likely that education will be disrupted in many provinces of Turkey on January 12 and 13, which would provide students with an uninterrupted 4-day holiday.
Here are the 55 cities for which MGM issued a snowfall warning;
- Istanbul
- Kocaeli
- Düzce
- Sakarya
- Yalova
- Bilecik
- Bursa
- Kütahya
- Afyonkarahisar
- Isparta
- Zonguldak
- Bolu
- Bartın
- Karabük
- Ankara
- Konya
- Karaman
- Kastamonu
- Çankırı
- Kırıkkale
- Kırşehir
- Nevşehir
- Niğde
- Kayseri
- Tokat
- Amasya
- Ardahan
- Kars
- Iğdır
- Ağrı
- Van
- Hakkari
- Şırnak
- Siirt
- Bitlis
- Muş
- Erzurum
- Artvin
- Bayburt
- Bingöl
- Batman
- Diyarbakır
- Elazığ
- Tunceli
- Erzincan
- Gümüşhane
HEAVY RAINFALL IS AFFECTING ISTANBUL
Following the warnings from the Meteorology, rain and strong winds began to show their effects in Istanbul from last night. Starting from the European side, the rain affected the entire city and later turned into heavy precipitation. Lightning illuminated the sky along with the rain, and thunder was heard in some districts. Pedestrians walking on the sidewalk had difficulty walking due to puddles. Those caught unprepared for the rain in Taksim Square sought shelter under businesses and buildings.
ORHAN ŞEN: SCHOOLS SHOULD BE CLOSED ON MONDAY
Meteorology expert Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen also stated that schools should be closed for Monday. Meteorology expert Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen said, "On Monday, the cold and snow will also affect the west. Snow is coming to Istanbul on Monday. It would be beneficial for schools to be closed. There could be chaos. It will suddenly hit. It seems like it will turn into a bit of a white ordeal. If you have no business, do not go outside. It will come to Istanbul late Sunday night and will be effective on Monday and Tuesday," he warned.
"IT WILL CONTINUE FOR 14 DAYS"
Meteorology expert Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen stated in a warning on his social media account; "The polar vortex has started to break down at an altitude of about 30 km in the stratosphere. Its effects are expected to dominate in the next 14 days. Such a situation of the polar vortex allows cold Arctic air to penetrate to lower latitudes in some regions. While this situation is currently affecting Europe, we will also see intermittent snowfall transitions.
"DO NOT GO OUT IF YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS"
On Monday, the cold and snow will also affect the west. It will be effective in Istanbul. Snowfall may create a cover on the ground in Istanbul. Closing schools in Istanbul on Monday will reduce traffic in the city. Do not go outside if you have no business. For example, if it snows in Yozgat, it won't be a problem, but it will be in Istanbul. Let it be the menu of Blanket Coffee and Book on Monday."