The harsh winter has begun! It will hold the homeland captive for 40 days.

22.12.2025 10:11

The harsh winter known as "zemheri" has begun. According to meteorological data, temperatures across Turkey are expected to drop rapidly with the new week, and many cities will experience snow and heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, the possibility of snow during the New Year period is on the agenda in many regions, including Istanbul.

The "black winter," known as zemheri cold, has officially begun today. The 40-day period, expected to last until January 30, is anticipated to bring freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions. According to the latest forecasts published by the General Directorate of Meteorology, a significant drop in air temperatures is expected in the new week.

TEMPERATURES WILL DROP RAPIDLY

According to meteorological data, cold weather will intensify, especially in Eastern Anatolia. In Kars and Ardahan, air temperatures are expected to drop to minus 10 degrees. It is reported that the risk of frost and ice will increase in inner and higher regions.

SNOW AND RAINFALL WARNING

According to the five-day weather forecast report, the mild weather that has been effective in recent days will give way to harsh winter conditions. From December 22, mixed rain and snow are expected in Kütahya, Afyonkarahisar, Eskişehir, Bolu, Ankara, Kırıkkale, Çankırı, Kastamonu, and Yozgat. Heavy rainfall is predicted in many provinces.

NEW YEAR WARNING FOR ISTANBUL

In the weather assessment, Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen stated that the temperatures over the weekend were above seasonal norms, but a sharp drop is expected at the beginning of the week. He pointed out that the likelihood of snow increases during the New Year period, indicating that snowfall could be seen on New Year's Day in many regions outside the Mediterranean, coastal Aegean, and Southeastern Anatolia. Şen also warned for the Marmara Region, stating that weather conditions in Istanbul should be closely monitored.

HOW WILL THE WEATHER BE TODAY? (DECEMBER 22, MONDAY)

The General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM) has published the weather report for the new week. According to the forecasts: The general weather in our country is expected to be partly, occasionally very cloudy, with intermittent rainfall in the southern and inner Aegean, Western Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, Western and Central Black Sea, as well as the coastal areas of Istanbul, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Bilecik, and the northern parts of Kırklareli. The precipitation is expected to be generally rain and showers, with occasional thunderstorms along the Western Mediterranean and Southern Aegean coasts, and mixed rain and snow in the highlands of the inner parts of the Western and Central Black Sea, as well as in the highlands of the northern and eastern parts of Central Anatolia. It is predicted that the rainfall will be locally heavy in the Antalya region and the coastal areas of Muğla. In the morning and evening hours, frost and ice are expected in the northern, inner, and eastern regions, along with fog and occasional mist.

The air temperature is expected to be around seasonal norms across the country. Generally, light winds from the south are expected, occasionally blowing at moderate strength.

STRONG RAINFALL WARNING

Since the rainfall is expected to be locally heavy in the Antalya region and the coastal areas of Muğla, caution and preparedness should be exercised against adverse conditions such as sudden floods, waterlogging, lightning, disruptions in transportation, strong winds during rainfall, and the risk of tornadoes in coastal areas.

WEATHER CONDITIONS BY CITY

ISTANBUL °C, 12°C Partly and very cloudy, with intermittent rain and showers

ANKARA °C, 9°C Partly and very cloudy, with intermittent rain, and mixed rain and snow in the highlands after the evening hours

IZMIR °C, 15°C Partly and very cloudy, with occasional showers in the southern parts

BURSA °C, 14°C Partly and very cloudy

KIRKLARELI °C, 9°C Partly and very cloudy, with rain in the coastal areas in the morning