23.12.2025 12:25
Experts indicate that the likelihood of a snowy New Year's Eve in Istanbul has increased with the expected cold wave coming from the Balkans and Siberia. Professor Dr. Orhan Şen delivered the good news to Istanbul residents, who have not seen snow on New Year's Eve for nearly a decade. Şen stated, "It looks like it will snow in Istanbul as well. There is still more than a week to go. Therefore, there was a 50% chance. This has actually increased to 60%."
A cold wave expected to come from the Balkans and Siberia has strengthened the possibility of a snowy New Year's Eve in Istanbul, which has not been seen for many years. According to experts, snowfall is expected as temperatures drop below zero on the night of December 31.
WE MAY ENTER THE NEW YEAR UNDER SNOW
As we enter the last week of December, the weather forecast for New Year's Eve in Istanbul has come back to the agenda. In the megacity that has entered the New Year without snowfall for nearly a decade, the expectation of a "snowy New Year" has gained momentum this year. The latest data shared by meteorology consultants and experts from the Kandilli Observatory indicate that the cold wave will increase its impact.
SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED TO START IN HIGHER AREAS
According to expert evaluations, the precipitation expected to spread across the city starting from the higher regions of Istanbul on the night of December 31 is predicted to be in the form of snow as temperatures drop. Especially during the night hours, the drop in temperatures to between 0 and -2 degrees increases the likelihood of snow sticking to the ground.
A "BREAK" IN TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED
Forecasts indicate that a significant change in weather will occur in Istanbul in the last days of the year. Daytime temperatures, which hover around 4-5 degrees, are expected to drop noticeably on New Year's Eve. It is stated that the snowfall could be effective within the city due to the humidity levels as well.
ORHAN ŞEN: IT LOOKS LIKE IT WILL SNOW IN ISTANBUL
Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen, known for his cautious statements, said that the likelihood of snow has increased in his evaluation regarding the New Year period. Şen noted that snowfall is possible in many cities, including Istanbul, in the process extending over December 30 and 31 and January 1.
Expressing that the probability of snowfall has risen to 60%, Şen emphasized that cold air from Siberia coming from the northeast will be effective. However, he stated that expectations should not be exaggerated, saying, "It will not be heavy snow that stops life; a normal snowfall is expected under winter conditions."
SNOW MAY INCREASE ITS IMPACT IN THE FIRST DAYS OF THE NEW YEAR
According to Şen, snowfall will not be limited to Istanbul. It is expected that snowfall will strengthen in the eastern Marmara, Western Black Sea, Central Anatolia, and Inner Aegean regions with the first days of the New Year. In Ankara, there is a possibility of snowfall in higher areas over the weekend.
AKOM: TEMPERATURES IN ISTANBUL WILL DROP TO SNOWFALL VALUES
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) shared the weekly weather forecast report for the city.
In the statement made by AKOM, it was said, "While a mostly cloudy sky is expected to dominate in Istanbul over the next week, intermittent heavy rain showers are expected along with strong northern winds, and temperatures are forecasted to drop below 10 degrees starting from Friday, and below 5 degrees at the beginning of the new week."