02.01.2026 13:27
Istanbul, which is entering the new year with snow for the first time in a long time, is experiencing increasing snowfall in 13 districts every passing minute, while a warning that concerns millions has come from AKOM. It was stated that the snowfall would lose its effect after 6:00 PM, but icing and freezing events could remain effective until tomorrow morning.
After the consecutive warnings from the General Directorate of Meteorology and AKOM, Istanbul, which is entering the new year with snow for the first time after a long break, is experiencing heavy snowfall in 13 districts today.
Images from the region show that the roads in the districts are covered with a white blanket and that there are occasional disruptions in traffic.
WARNING FROM AKOM FOR ISTANBUL
In a statement made by the Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), it was reported that the snowfall would be intermittently strong in the European side around the Bosphorus and generally in the Anatolian side from the afternoon, and that the air temperature would range between -1 and 3 degrees.
IT WILL LOSE ITS EFFECT AFTER 18:00
It is anticipated that the snowfall will lose its effect after 18:00, but freezing and frost events may continue to be effective until tomorrow morning. It is expected that the temperature in Istanbul will be partly cloudy with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 8 degrees tomorrow.
BE AWARE ON WEDNESDAY
During the weekend, when no precipitation is expected and the air temperature is reported to range between 7-16 degrees, a southwesterly storm is expected, and partly cloudy weather is anticipated on Monday. Rain is expected on Tuesday, and heavy downpours on Wednesday.
D-100 HIGHWAY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
The D-100 highway in the Bolu Mountain section has been closed to traffic due to a truck skidding and swerving due to snowfall and icing while heading towards Istanbul. Vehicles are being redirected to the Anatolian Highway from the Elmalık area by traffic teams. Road crews are continuing snow plowing and salting work along the route.
SNOWFALL AT ISTANBUL AIRPORT
Snowfall began to be seen around Istanbul Airport and its vicinity during the afternoon hours. The snowfall that started in the afternoon was effective around the airport and its surroundings. While some parts of the runway were covered in white, it was learned that the snowfall did not negatively affect air traffic.
NORTH MARMARA HIGHWAY
Snowfall was captured by drone in the Fener Tepe area of the North Marmara Highway in Istanbul. The footage shows heavy snowfall. After the warnings made by the General Directorate of Meteorology days in advance, the snowfall, which was intermittently effective in many parts of Istanbul last night, has started again today. The snowfall continues to increase in intensity. Heavy snow is falling in the Fenertepe area of the North Marmara Highway. The precipitation was captured from the air.
WILL SCHOOLS BE CLOSED IN ISTANBUL?
As the snowfall continues, the question of whether schools will be closed in Istanbul on Friday, January 2, has become a matter of curiosity. A statement from the Istanbul Governorship regarding the issue is awaited.