17.02.2025 11:30
Snowfall is returning. AKOM expects that the precipitation in Istanbul will turn into mixed rain and snow starting from Wednesday. The snowfall, which will continue on Thursday, is expected to intensify on Friday and Saturday, affecting the entire city. It was stated that the total snowfall over the three days could reach 40 centimeters, and schools may be closed on Friday.
AKOM announced that there will be heavy rain and a cold wave in Istanbul starting today. With temperatures expected to drop rapidly throughout the week, it is anticipated that the rain will turn into mixed rain and snow starting from Wednesday. According to weekly forecasts, it is expected that the snowfall, which will continue on Thursday, will intensify on Friday and Saturday, affecting the entire city.
SIBERIAN COLD IS RETURNING
According to experts' predictions, Istanbul and its surroundings will be under the influence of a cold wave coming from Siberia throughout the week. It is stated that air temperatures will range between 0 - 3°C, and mixed rain and snow will be seen starting from Wednesday.
TEMPERATURES WILL DROP BY 12 DEGREES AT ONCE
Cengiz Çelik, a meteorology expert from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, provided information about the weekly weather forecast.
According to the latest evaluations, Çelik stated that strong rain will first be seen in the northwestern regions from the beginning of the week, and that temperatures will drop rapidly on Tuesday, with temperatures across the country dropping by 8 to 12 degrees below seasonal norms on Wednesday.
Çelik mentioned that rain is expected today in the Marmara, Aegean, northwestern Central Anatolia, and the Western Black Sea regions, with strong rain expected in the provinces of the Marmara Region facing the Black Sea, as well as in the areas around Zonguldak and Bartın, and in the coastal areas of Kırklareli.
On Tuesday, Çelik noted that the cold and rainy air mass coming from the Black Sea will cause temperature drops in the Marmara and Western Black Sea regions, and starting from Wednesday, temperatures across the country will decrease by 8 to 12 degrees, with precipitation mostly in the form of snow in the northern, inland, and eastern regions.
Çelik emphasized that the precipitation will be particularly strong in the provinces facing the Black Sea and in the Eastern Anatolia region.
SNOW WILL ONCE AGAIN BE EFFECTIVE IN ISTANBUL
Çelik indicated that strong rain is expected in Istanbul today, stating that the intensity of the rain will decrease on Tuesday, mixed rain and snow will be seen on Wednesday, and snowfall is expected on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Çelik said, "We do not expect very strong snowfall in Istanbul right now, but we can say that it will be felt a bit more than the previous system. The likelihood of leaving a snow cover on the ground is higher."
Çelik reported that temperatures, which are currently around 10-11 degrees in Istanbul, will drop to around 4 to 5 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday, with the lowest temperatures expected to be around zero degrees in the mornings on those days.
TEMPERATURES IN THE CAPITAL WILL BE BELOW ZERO
Çelik stated that temperatures in Ankara will drop rapidly, mentioning that light rain is expected tomorrow.
He noted that mixed rain will be seen starting from Tuesday, and snow will be observed on Wednesday and Thursday, adding that the snowfall in Ankara is not expected to be very strong, with mostly light precipitation anticipated.
Çelik pointed out that temperatures, which reached 11-12 degrees in the capital over the weekend, will drop to around 2 to 3 degrees by midweek, stating, "With this system, we may also experience days when temperatures are below zero throughout the day next weekend."
TEMPERATURE IN IZMIR WILL DROP TO 7 DEGREES
Çelik reported that rain is expected in Izmir for two days, with heavy showers expected tomorrow, rain on Tuesday, and no precipitation expected from Wednesday onwards, but temperatures in Izmir will also drop.
He noted that the highest temperatures, which are around 15 to 16 degrees in Izmir, will drop to around 7 to 8 degrees, advising to follow current forecasts and warnings on the website "mgm.gov.tr".
"SCHOOLS MAY BE CLOSED ON FRIDAY"
Additionally, CNN TÜRK Meteorology Consultant Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen stated that schools may be closed on Friday due to snowfall.
RESERVOIR LEVELS ARE INCREASING
The rainfall continues to increase the water levels in the reservoirs supplying water to the city. According to the latest figures, the reservoir levels in the city have reached 62.63%. The level was 74.92% on February 17 last year. The sea water temperature was measured at 9°C.
DISRUPTIONS IN TRANSPORTATION MAY OCCUR
AKOM has called on drivers to be cautious against the risk of frost and icing, especially during the night and morning hours. It has been reported that with the snowfall across the city, roads may be closed, transportation disruptions may occur, and the risk of hidden icing has increased. Authorities stated that air temperatures are expected to remain 4 - 8°C below seasonal norms until February 25, and it is anticipated to return to normal between February 26 and March 5. Citizens are advised to follow the current weather forecasts and to avoid going out in traffic unless necessary.