23.12.2024 13:11
As a cold wave continues to affect Turkey, meteorology experts have warned that starting from December 21, the country will enter one of the harshest periods of winter, commonly known among the public as "Erbain cold." Temperatures are expected to drop rapidly, and heavy snowfall is on the way.
According to Dr. Güven Özdemir, a meteorology expert and faculty member at Istanbul Aydın University, the Erbain cold spell may begin to show its effects from December 21. Dr. Özdemir stated, "There is a 70% chance that this winter season will be colder and rainier compared to previous years. Freezing cold, strong winds, and heavy snowfall will be effective throughout the month of Zemheri."
Dr. Özdemir mentioned that temperatures this week will be slightly above seasonal norms. The expected temperatures by region are as follows: Marmara: 7-14 degrees, Aegean: 7-16 degrees, Black Sea: 9-19 degrees, Mediterranean: 8-18 degrees, Central Anatolia: 4-9 degrees, Eastern Anatolia: -8 to 1 degree, Southeastern Anatolia: -1 to 10 degrees.
LODOS WILL INCREASE ITS EFFECT IN MARMARA AND AEGEAN
Starting today, it is expected that the lodos wind will increase its effect in Marmara and Aegean regions. Dr. Özdemir noted that wind speeds could reach 40-60 km/h, emphasizing that strong rain and storms will be effective in Central Anatolia and the Mediterranean regions on Tuesday. It was stated that rainfall will continue intermittently throughout the week, and snowfall may be observed in higher elevations.
TEMPERATURES WILL DROP STARTING FROM SUNDAY
Dr. Özdemir stated that temperatures will noticeably decrease starting from Sunday, saying, "At the beginning of the week, snowfall will intensify in higher elevations. Caution should be exercised against icing, frost, and avalanche risks in Central and Eastern Anatolia."
Dr. Özdemir indicated that snowfall could be observed in some regions during the New Year, and although there is a low probability, snowfall is also expected in Istanbul. "Water levels in the dams will continue to rise, which will be a positive development for agriculture and water resources," he said. A cold wave and rainy days will increase their effects across Turkey. During this period, which will affect both daily life and agricultural activities, citizens need to be cautious against weather conditions.
WHAT IS ERBAIN COLD?
Erbain cold refers to a weather phenomenon that occurs in winter, typically starting from the end of December and lasting until the end of January, characterized by freezing cold. The term "Erbain" is of Arabic origin and means "forty." This name marks the coldest 40-day period of the year. This process, commonly known as "zemheri," is associated with heavy snowfall, strong winds, icing, and frost events.
Start Date: December 21 (winter solstice) End Date: January 31. During this period, air temperatures generally drop to the lowest levels of the year. Following this, another cold period known as "Hamsin cold" begins, but Hamsin is usually not as intense and effective as Erbain.