Türkiye sees sharpest March rainfall decline in 35 years

Türkiye experienced its driest March in the last 35 years, with rainfall levels plummeting well below both seasonal norms and last year’s figures. According to data compiled by Anadolu Agency from the 2025 March Spatial Rainfall Report issued by the Turkish State Meteorological Service under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the country is facing a significant meteorological anomaly.

The long-term average rainfall for March stands at 61.2 kilograms per square meter. In March 2024, rainfall reached 69.5 kilograms per square meter. However, in March 2025, this figure dropped dramatically to just 28.8 kilograms—marking a 53% decrease compared to the historical average and a 59% fall compared to the same period last year.

A regional breakdown: Aegean Region hit hardest

All regions across Türkiye recorded rainfall levels below both seasonal averages and last year’s measurements. The most dramatic decline was observed in the Aegean (Ege) Region, which saw a staggering 79% decrease compared to seasonal norms. In fact, the region received only 65 millimeters of rain, its lowest March total in 35 years.

Other regions also witnessed their lowest March rainfall in decades:

• Marmara: Lowest in 39 years
• Central Anatolia: Lowest in 35 years
• Black Sea Region: Lowest in 32 years

Some provinces receive almost no rain

The report highlights a particularly severe lack of precipitation in central and western provinces. Ankara recorded the lowest rainfall nationwide, with only 5.1 kilograms per square meter, while Tunceli registered the highest at 89.2 kilograms.

Manisa experienced the most significant year-over-year drop, with rainfall levels down 91%. Other provinces setting 35-year lows include:

• Aksaray, Ankara, Cankiri, Denizli, Hatay, Izmir, Kirikkale, Manisa: 65 mm
• Van: 63 mm
• Kirsehir: 53 mm
• Balikesir: 42 mm
• Bolu, Corum, Eskisehir, Istanbul, Karabuk, Karaman, Kastamonu, Konya, Kutahya: 39 mm
• Bartin, Kocaeli, Sakarya: 36 mm
• Amasya, Tokat: 35 mm

North-Eastern provinces show rare increase

While the majority of the country experienced drastic reductions, a few provinces in the northeast bucked the trend. Erzincan recorded a 35% increase in rainfall, and parts of Erzurum’s northern regions saw rainfall rise by more than 40%.

Rainy days become scarce

The average number of rainy days across Türkiye during March 1991–2020 was 11.3. In March 2025, this dropped to just 6.4 days. In some regions, rainfall was confined to a single day throughout the entire month. These included areas around Izmir, Manisa, Usak, Aydin, Mersin, Karaman, Adana, Hatay, Ankara, Cankiri, Corum, Kirikkale, and Eskisehir.

Conversely, parts of the Black Sea and eastern regions—such as Kirklareli, Canakkale, Balikesir, Ordu, Giresun, Gumushane, Bayburt, Rize, Artvin, and Bingol—saw rainfall on 15 to 20 days.

A warning sign amid climate change concerns

The record-low precipitation in March raises alarms amid growing concerns over water scarcity and climate change.

The continued pattern of erratic rainfall poses a threat to agriculture, water resources, and the overall ecological balance in Türkiye.