17.12.2025 23:40
The latest weather report published by the General Directorate of Meteorology includes details that are of great interest to the residents of Istanbul and Ankara. According to the report, temperatures in both cities are expected to drop significantly in the coming days. With the "zemheri" cold expected to last for about 40 days, there is also a possibility of snowfall in early January.
The cold wave that is showing its effects across Turkey is set to become increasingly freezing. According to the latest weather report from the General Directorate of Meteorology, temperatures in Istanbul and Ankara will drop significantly in the coming days.
"ZEMHERİ" COLD WILL BE EFFECTIVE IN ANKARA AND ISTANBUL
With the cold referred to as "Zemheri," nighttime temperatures in Ankara will approach zero, and the risk of frost will increase in some areas. While no snowfall is expected in the capital in the short term, there is a possibility of snowfall in the early days of 2026 if the cold weather becomes permanent.
A similar scenario will be observed in Istanbul. Temperatures across the city will drop noticeably, and the freezing cold will feel harsher with the wind. Just like in Ankara, no snowfall is expected in Istanbul before January.
WHAT ARE ZEMHERİ COLD DAYS?
Zemheri cold days are known as the harshest and coldest days of winter, covering a period of approximately 40 days between December 22 and January 30 according to the folk calendar. During this period, significant fluctuations in air temperatures occur; temperatures can drop rapidly within a few days, leading to an increase in illnesses. Zemheri, also referred to as "karakış" or "erbain," signifies the time frame when snowfall and frost events are most intense.