21.12.2025 11:10
The cold weather referred to as "black winter" will begin tomorrow and will last for approximately 40 days. During this period, temperatures will drop rapidly. Heavy rain and snowfall will be effective in many provinces. While experts warn about sudden drops in temperature, the likelihood of a large part of Turkey entering the new year with snowfall has increased.
The zemheri cold, known as the harshest period of winter, is set to show its effects across Turkey with the new week. Rapidly dropping temperatures, heavy rainfall in the western regions, and snowfall in some provinces are expected.
THE ZEMHERİ PERIOD OFFICIALLY BEGINS
The zemheri period, referred to as "the black winter" in the folk calendar, begins on December 22nd this year, as it does every year. This period lasts for approximately 40 days and ends on January 30th. The cold weather, particularly effective during the night and morning hours, makes living conditions difficult during zemheri.
TEMPERATURES WILL DROP RAPIDLY
With the new weather system that started to show its effects across Turkey as of December 20th, significant drops in temperatures are expected. It is predicted that temperatures, which are around 13-14 degrees in Istanbul and about 17 degrees in Izmir over the weekend, will decrease to 4-5 degrees with the start of zemheri on Monday, December 22nd. Similarly, cold weather will intensify in Ankara.
Heavy rainfall, expected to begin in Istanbul and its surroundings from Sunday night, is anticipated to continue throughout the week.
SNOW AND HEAVY RAIN WARNING
According to the 5-day weather forecast report published by the Meteorology, the mild weather described as "false spring" will give way to harsh winter conditions. From Monday (December 22nd), mixed rain and snow are expected in Kütahya, Afyonkarahisar, Eskişehir, Bolu, Ankara, Kırıkkale, Çankırı, Kastamonu, and Yozgat. It has been reported that heavy rainfall will be effective in many provinces.
SNOW MAY FALL IN ISTANBUL ON NEW YEAR'S
In a weather assessment, Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen stated that temperatures over the weekend are above seasonal norms, but a sharp drop will occur with the start of the week. Şen emphasized that the likelihood of snow across Turkey is increasing in the new year, noting that there is a possibility of snowfall during the New Year's period in many regions, except for the Mediterranean, coastal Aegean, and Southeastern regions. He also pointed out the possibility of snow in the Marmara Region, stating that developments in Istanbul should be closely monitored.