30.06.2026 16:41
In Istanbul, high humidity will accompany the high temperatures tomorrow. According to experts, the air temperature measured at 32 degrees Celsius will feel like up to 40 degrees due to the humidity; since sweat cannot evaporate from the body, citizens will experience a persistent "sticky" heat all day. Experts warned the public about the air that will even make breathing difficult.
Dr. Deniz Demirhan, faculty member of the Climate Science and Meteorology Engineering Department at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, said in a statement that the hot air wave coming from the northwest has affected Edirne and Thrace, as well as the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Marmara regions.
"IT CAN REACH UP TO 40 DEGREES"
Demirhan, evaluating the air temperatures in Istanbul, said, "Istanbul is under the influence of the hot air wave coming from the northwest. Especially today and on Wednesday, temperatures are expected to be 32 degrees on the Anatolian side. This is only the measured temperature. If we look at the felt temperature, humidity also comes into play here. Of course, when combined with humidity, the felt temperature can reach levels that harm our health, up to 40 degrees. This is an air temperature that can easily affect sensitive individuals, children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions."
"THAT MOIST, STICKY FEELING NEVER DISAPPEARS"
Demirhan, drawing attention to the fact that high evaporation along the coasts increases the humidity level, stated the following:
"When the capacity to hold moisture increases, the combination of humidity and temperature also increases the felt temperature. The felt temperature is like this: when you go outside, the moisture that needs to evaporate from you cannot evaporate. That moist, sticky feeling never disappears; the moisture from your body cannot mix into the atmosphere because the atmosphere is saturated with moisture. Therefore, the felt temperature on the body is much higher. That is why we have dangerous weather."
"ISTANBUL IS A CITY THAT CANNOT COOL DOWN AT NIGHT"
Demirhan, noting that Istanbul is not the hottest region, but the "urban heat island" effect caused by urbanization poses a significant risk, said, "Istanbul is a city that cannot cool down at night. Because it overheats during the day, it means it is a city that never cools down and cannot breathe. To get rid of this, when a building, concrete structure, or asphalt is built, a park must be built right next to it. Then the city can breathe."
WARNING AGAINST UNNECESSARY WATER CONSUMPTION AND FOREST FIRE RISK
Demirhan, calling on citizens to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day, advised the following:
"When going outside, we need to protect ourselves from the sun by wearing a hat or not standing under the sun for long periods. If possible, we should carry a thermos or a water bottle with us. Especially these days, we need to increase our water consumption, wear closed clothing, and wear cotton and linen clothes that will absorb our sweat and keep us cool. Of course, we must not forget stray animals. We have the opportunity to go inside, but they do not. Placing a bowl of water outside is very important."
Demirhan emphasized that high temperatures increase pressure on water resources, and evaporation in dams causes significant water loss in summer months, warning that in periods of insufficient rainfall, water should be used more carefully, shower time shortened, washing machines and dishwashers run full, and unnecessary water consumption such as washing vehicles should be avoided.
Pointing out that hot weather also increases the risk of forest fires, Demirhan stressed the importance of complying with entry bans into forests, stating that waste left in forests can easily cause fires due to the effect of high temperature and solar radiation, and that dry grass should be cleared and human-induced risks minimized.