Snow in Istanbul expected as cold front approaches
An aerial view of Galata Tower and its surroundings as snowfall continues in Istanbul, Türkiye, on February 23, 2025. (AA Photo)
Snowfall is set to return to Istanbul next week following a brief period of sunny weather, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) cautioned citizens on Friday about severe weather conditions.
According to AKOM, strong southwesterly winds (lodos) are expected to intensify into a storm by Sunday afternoon and evening.
Starting Monday, a cold air mass from the Balkans will bring a sharp temperature drop, with forecasts indicating a decline to around 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) by midweek.
Possible snow in Istanbul is expected in the higher districts
“Snowfall is possible in the city’s higher elevations on the night of Mar. 19 and throughout Mar. 20,” AKOM’s statement said.
Winter conditions are expected to persist across Istanbul from Mar. 18-23, with temperatures forecast to be 6-8 degrees Celsius below seasonal norms. However, temperatures are projected to return to seasonal averages in the final week of March and during the Ramadan Bayram holiday, AKOM noted.
Authorities also warned residents to take precautions against the expected lodos storm over the weekend, followed by the incoming cold front.
The Turkish Meteorological Service forecasted that temperatures across the country are expected to drop by an average of 20 degrees Celsius next week.
