Thunderstorms to Bring Temporary Relief from Heat in Istanbul
Thunderstorms to Bring Temporary Relief from Heat in Istanbul
After several days of intense summer temperatures, Istanbul is expected to experience a brief cooldown this weekend as a new weather system brings thunderstorms across the city and surrounding regions.
According to the Istanbul Governor’s Office, locally heavy thunderstorms are forecast from Saturday morning until the evening. The strongest rainfall is expected in several districts on the European side, including Çatalca, Silivri, Büyükçekmece, Beylikdüzü, Esenyurt, Arnavutköy and Başakşehir.
Temperatures to Drop Before Rising Again
The rain is expected to lower air temperatures by 2–3 degrees Celsius, while the perceived temperature could decrease by around 5 degrees, providing temporary relief from the ongoing heatwave.
“The rain will enter from the north in the morning. Strong thunderstorms will affect the European side until noon and continue across the city until the evening,” meteorologist Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen said.
Forecasters expect the rain to move through Istanbul on Saturday only, with dry weather returning on Sunday.
The weather system will also bring showers to parts of the Marmara, Aegean and western Mediterranean regions. Meanwhile, scattered rainfall is expected to continue across parts of Anatolia during the coming week.
Despite the temporary cooling, meteorologists warn that temperatures will begin rising again from Monday, with another heatwave likely during the second week of July.
Extreme Heat Continues Across Southeastern Türkiye
While western regions prepare for rain, southeastern provinces continue to experience dangerously high temperatures.
- Şanlıurfa recorded temperatures of 44°C.
- Adıyaman reached approximately 40°C.
- Gaziantep and Kahramanmaraş also remain under intense heat.
In Adıyaman, the prolonged heat caused asphalt to soften and melt along a three-kilometer section of road near Şambayat.
Authorities continue to advise residents to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day and to stay well hydrated.
Climate Experts Warn of Increasing Weather Extremes
Climate specialists say the recent pattern of extreme heat and sudden storms reflects the growing impact of climate change.
Experts stress that reducing dependence on coal and expanding renewable energy sources will be essential to limiting future climate risks. They also warn that worsening climate conditions could contribute to environmental, economic and social challenges in the years ahead.
