26.08.2026 16:10
Temperatures in Istanbul, expected to be around 31-32 degrees Celsius on Thursday, will drop sharply on Friday with cool air arriving from the north. Meteorology engineer Adil Tek stated that heavy rain and strong winds will also be effective, saying, 'On Friday, it will suddenly drop to 21 degrees. We will say, "What heat was this, what cold is this?"'
The effects of summer heat will be felt in Istanbul throughout the week, but a brief yet significant change in weather conditions is expected starting Friday.
The drop in temperature is expected to be accompanied by precipitation and strong winds, and this change is noted as a normal seasonal weather transition.
According to forecasts from the General Directorate of Meteorology, temperatures in Istanbul, which are expected to reach up to 32 degrees this week, are anticipated to remain at similar values on Thursday. On Friday, however, temperatures are predicted to drop significantly across the city, with showers and thunderstorms expected to be effective.
Experts have made assessments regarding the cool air and rainy system expected to take effect in Istanbul starting Friday.
COOL AIR ARRIVING FROM THURSDAY
Adil Tek, a meteorological engineer at the Meteorology Laboratory of Boğaziçi University Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute, stated that the change in air temperature is normal.
Tek noted that there is a flow originating from North Africa and a high-pressure system, which has increased temperatures this week, saying, "The North African flows that have continued since the weekend have transformed from today into a parallel flow over the Mediterranean, not entirely North African in origin, but a flow with normal latitudinal values. Especially from Thursday onward, the relatively cool air coming from the north will relieve the northern regions."
Tek explained that the flow from the north will begin to be seen starting Friday, and added:
"This flow brings precipitation with it. There is an expectation of precipitation across Istanbul on Friday. The Anatolian side may receive more rainfall, but almost all districts will get precipitation. Since the flow is from the north, the risk is slightly higher in northern districts. Additionally, districts like Beylikdüzü and Bakırköy are also among the places that will receive rainfall. Temperatures, which are 31-32 degrees on Thursday, will suddenly drop to 21 degrees on Friday. There will also be strong winds. We will say, 'What was this heat, what is this cold?"
Tek stated that the precipitation will start weakly on Friday morning and intensify somewhat in the afternoon, saying, "We will see intermittent rain passages from Saturday noon until evening. From Sunday onward, that precipitation will lose its effect. Temperatures that drop to 23-24 degrees will start rising again to 28-29 degrees. Next week, although not very hot, those summer days will continue. Especially on Friday afternoon, Saturday morning, and at night, Istanbul residents will feel a bit chilly. Due to these transitions, temperatures in Istanbul could drop to as low as 18 degrees."
Tek also mentioned that heavy rainfall could be seen in the interior parts of Central Anatolia, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean on Saturday, providing the information, "On Saturday, especially Istanbul along with the eastern and southern parts of Marmara will remain under the influence of rainy weather. From Saturday evening onward, it will shift eastward and gradually lose its effect in the western regions."
Tek stated that September temperatures are expected to remain slightly above seasonal norms, and summer is expected to last a bit longer, adding that precipitation will be abundant during the winter months and temperatures will again be above average.
"ON FRIDAY, THE ENTIRE MARMARA REGION WILL EXPERIENCE A STRONG NORTHEASTERLY WIND"
Dr. Güven Özdemir, a faculty member at Istanbul Aydın University and a meteorological engineer, also said that the cool air will show its effect especially on Friday and Saturday, and that precipitation will accompany the cooling.
Özdemir said, "With the drop in temperatures, night temperatures will be around 22 degrees, and daytime temperatures will be between 27-29 degrees. In areas without wind, the perceived temperature will be 3-4 degrees higher due to increased humidity. This is not a very strong cold wave; it will simply cool the city."
Explaining that the precipitation will be local, not affecting the entire country, and will not create difficult conditions, Özdemir said, "On Friday, the entire Marmara Region will experience a strong northeasterly wind. Starting from Thrace, the entire Black Sea, Central Anatolia, the eastern Mediterranean, and the Eastern Anatolia Region will also receive precipitation."
Özdemir, noting that attention should be paid to the northeasterly wind, stated that the wind will blow at speeds of 40-60 kilometers per hour.
Meteorological engineer Sinan Şahinoğlu, on the other hand, stated that a detached low-pressure system approaching the Black Sea via Crimea is expected to be effective in the northern parts of Turkey.
Şahinoğlu noted that the effects of the system approaching from the north will begin to be felt in the Marmara Region and Istanbul starting Thursday, and used the following statements:
"On Friday, temperatures across Marmara are expected to drop significantly, with daytime highs falling to the 27-29 degree range and night temperatures dropping to the 20-21 degree band. With the strong, occasionally storm-like northeasterly wind blowing from the north and northeast, local showers and thunderstorms may occur as a result of the moist air carried over the Black Sea interacting with the colder air at upper levels."