Is it not going to snow in Istanbul? Experts give bad news
A dog stands at Sultanahmet Square following a snowfall in Istanbul, Türkiye, Jan. 23, 2022. (AA Photo)
Istanbul, known for its historical winter snowfalls, has yet to experience any this season, leaving residents disappointed.
While temperatures have been dropping across Türkiye, the country’s largest city has been devoid of its usual snowy charm.
Experts attribute this to several factors, including increased urbanization, traffic congestion, and air pollution, all of which are impacting the city’s climate and snow patterns.
Traffic and pollution changes Istanbul’s weather
Professor Huseyin Toros, a climate scientist from Istanbul Technical University (ITU), explained that the rising number of motor vehicles in Istanbul is playing a critical role in altering the city’s atmospheric conditions.
According to Toros, Istanbul currently has nearly six million registered vehicles, significantly contributing to air pollution and creating what he described as a “heat island effect.”
“Every vehicle acts like a stove,” said Toros to Anadolu Agency, emphasizing how the exhaust gases and particulate matter released by cars change the chemical composition of the atmosphere. “Increased emissions raise the amount of particulate matter and carbon monoxide in the air, worsening both air quality and public health.”
Toros further explained that prolonged traffic jams lead to excessive vehicle emissions. “In Istanbul, trips that should take 30 minutes often take one to two hours due to traffic. During these long commutes, vehicles emit more pollutants into the atmosphere, which negatively impacts air quality and contributes to warming.”
A report by a U.S.-based software company in 2024 ranked Istanbul as the most traffic-congested city globally, surpassing New York. This heavy congestion not only affects daily life but also has far-reaching consequences for the city’s environment and weather patterns.
How the increasing urbanization of Istanbul impacts snowfall
In addition to traffic, rapid urbanization is another key factor behind Istanbul’s lack of snow. Meteorology consultant Orhan Şen highlighted the role of the “heat island effect” caused by a reduction in green spaces and the proliferation of skyscrapers across the city.
“Green areas have been shrinking rapidly, while skyscrapers are increasing,” said Sen to Sozcu. “The heat island effect describes how urban areas with fewer green spaces and more buildings tend to retain more heat compared to rural areas.”
This retained heat not only raises temperatures but also prevents snow from forming or settling. “In Istanbul, snow often melts before it reaches the ground,” Sen noted.
Skyscrapers, particularly in central parts of the city, exacerbate this issue by obstructing prevailing winds, such as the poyraz, which traditionally helps clear air pollution.
“By blocking these winds, tall buildings prevent the city’s air from being refreshed, further contributing to warming and pollution,” said Sen.
Connection between air quality and public health
Climate scientist Toros also warned about the serious health risks posed by air pollution in Istanbul, pointing to findings from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Air pollution causes over seven million deaths annually worldwide. The polluted air we inhale primarily affects our lungs and cardiovascular systems, but it can also harm the brain through blood circulation.
Huseyin Toros said
He emphasized the importance of reducing vehicle emissions and transitioning to more sustainable transportation methods, such as public transit and carpooling. “If we don’t address these issues, not only will we face worsening health crises, but Istanbul’s air quality will continue to decline, making snowfall even more unlikely in the future.”
Winter without snow: What’s next for Istanbul?
Experts agree that addressing Istanbul’s environmental challenges is crucial for the city’s climate and public health. Short-term solutions include public awareness campaigns on efficient vehicle use and reducing unnecessary idling.
Long-term measures, such as increasing green spaces and promoting sustainable transportation, could help alleviate the city’s heat island effect and improve air quality.
“If the number of vehicles keeps increasing, so will emissions,” Toros warned. “This will only lead to more congestion, worsening pollution, and longer-lasting impacts on both our health and the environment.”
