25.06.2025 12:05
The meteorology department, AKOM, and the Kandilli Observatory Meteorology Laboratory have issued temperature warnings for Istanbul. Experts have indicated that temperatures in the megacity could rise to between 34 and 37 degrees Celsius and have warned about the risk of heatstroke. They stated that dangerous temperatures will be effective from Wednesday to Friday and advised against going outside between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
The summer months have started to make themselves felt. The General Directorate of Meteorology and AKOM issued a warning that extreme heat will be effective between June 25-27.
"DO NOT GO OUT BETWEEN 11:00 AM AND 4:00 PM" In a written statement from AKOM, it was stated, "Due to the heat wave expected to last from Wednesday to Friday, temperatures in different regions of Istanbul are expected to rise to between 34-37 degrees. These days, when dangerous temperatures will be effective, the hours between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM are the riskiest times for sunstroke as the sun's rays will be direct."
"THERE IS A HEAT WAVE COMING FROM NORTH AFRICA" Speaking on the subject, Meteorology Engineer Adil Tek said, "There is a heat wave coming from North Africa. This heat wave has started to show its effects more significantly from today. The effect of this heat wave will continue until the weekend. Primarily, our southern regions are affected. Especially in the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Southeastern Anatolia, temperature values are approaching 40 degrees. In Southeastern Anatolia, temperatures are exceeding 40 degrees. For example, temperatures will rise to around 39 degrees in Antalya. In the Aegean, around Aydın, temperatures will also reach 40 degrees, and in Izmir, they will be around 37-38 degrees. As we move north, we gradually come to the capital. In the capital, temperatures will also be seen around 35-36 degrees. In Istanbul, temperatures will also rise to around 35 degrees," he said.
"HUMIDITY WILL INCREASE THE DISCOMFORT" Tek stated, "There is something like this in Istanbul. Although the north wind seems to provide some relief at times, we see these temperature values in the inner regions in the 30s. Of course, these temperature values are the shaded temperature values. When you go out in the sun, you may feel these temperature values a bit more, or in places where circulation is not high, where you do not get wind, these temperature values can rise to 39 degrees. Of course, especially in Istanbul, there is also humidity. The discomfort caused by humidity is increasing. As humidity increases, the body's sweating mechanism, that is, the cooling mechanism, does not work properly. Normally, our body produces heat energy. We lower our body temperature through sweating; but when the humidity in the air is high, the sweat, that is, the water that accumulates on our body cannot mix with the air, and we start to sweat from our faces," he said.
"FIRST HEAT EXHAUSTION, THEN HEAT STROKE" Tek also mentioned the precautions to be taken in hot weather, stating, "First, heat exhaustion occurs. Then heat stroke occurs. In heat exhaustion, nausea begins, and there may be a loss of consciousness. Weakness occurs. There are precautions to be taken for this. During the heat wave, we should not be exposed to direct sunlight, especially between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If we have sports and exercise activities, such as walking, we should do these in the morning and evening hours. Similarly, we need to drink plenty of water. We should consume 8-10 glasses of water a day to maintain the body's balance. We will prefer shaded and cool places. We avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine products. We avoid heavy protein and fatty products. We also use light-colored clothes, umbrellas, sunglasses, and cotton clothes. We consume plenty of vegetables and drink plenty of water. Of course, shopping malls can be an alternative for those who do not have air conditioning. Of course, there are risk groups. The elderly, children, chronic patients, and also animals in nature, stray animals, and other animals. It is beneficial for us to leave water in suitable areas for them," he said.
"WE WILL BE EXPOSED TO HEAT WAVES IN JULY AND AUGUST" Adil Tek stated, "There is no special name for it; but of course, these temperature values in June are values that have been encountered in previous years; but still, this is a heat wave. Precautions need to be taken against this. The frequency of these heat waves will continue in the coming days. There are rising temperature values until Sunday, but there will be a cooling after Monday. At the beginning of July, in the first week, another heat wave is visible in our long-term forecasts. Especially in July and August, we will be exposed to heat waves. Last year was the hottest year globally. Our country was also affected by this. Last year, temperature records were broken in our country. This year, although it may not be as much as last year, we will still be exposed to heat waves. These will sometimes last a few days. Sometimes they will last 4-5 days; but it will not be as much as last year. Let me also say that we expect a hot summer that is more than 2023 but less than 2024," he said.
WHAT TO DO AGAINST HEAT EXHAUSTION? Tek stated, "When heat exhaustion occurs, quick action is required. We will first move someone who has been exposed to heat exhaustion to a cool area. We will loosen their clothing. We will give them sips of cold water, and if the symptoms do not improve, we will seek medical help. After this stage, heat stroke occurs. We move the person to a cool area. We loosen their clothing. We try to cool them down with water or ice to lower their temperature," he said.
"WE CANNOT WORK DUE TO THE HEAT" Muzaffer Köse, who said he missed the summer months, stated, "The hot weather does not affect us much because we are close to the Bosphorus. I mean, when we feel overwhelmed, we come here. We swim in the sea, provided we do not go too far. We cool off safely. Other than that, we have a good relationship with the heat. It does not affect me because winter was quite harsh. We missed the summer; we missed the heat. We are not affected at all. The sea is next to us," he said. Barış Burgucuoğlu stated, "The heat has been too much. Normally, I am a courier. We cannot work due to the heat. We also took refuge in the sea and on the beaches. May God help us. The coming days are said to be worse. Let's see," he said.