Türkiye’s weather report: Rising heat, dust storms, isolated showers

The Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued a detailed weather report for Sunday, Aug. 18, warning of rising temperatures, dust storms in the southeast and isolated showers in the eastern regions.

The varied weather conditions across Türkiye require attention, especially in areas prone to extreme heat and visibility issues.

Heat increases across Türkiye in 2nd half of August

The interior regions of Türkiye will see temperatures climb by 4 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 4 degrees Celsius) today.

Coastal areas along the Mediterranean and Aegean will experience temperatures above seasonal norms.

For example, Istanbul’s temperature is expected to range from 77 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity levels peaking at 81%. The humidity will make the temperature feel as high as 91 degrees Fahrenheit.

Meanwhile, Izmir will experience a high of 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The Meteorological Service noted: “We anticipate temperatures in the interior regions to rise by up to 7 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), particularly along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.”

Weather report predicts dust storms to take over southeast of Türkiye

The southeast of Türkiye, including cities like Diyarbakir, will not only face extreme heat but also dust storms. The temperature in Diyarbakir is expected to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), while Gaziantep may see temperatures close to 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius).

The Meteorological Service advised: “Residents in the southeast should prepare for reduced visibility and poor air quality due to dust storms.”

Isolated showers expected in Türkiye’s east

In eastern regions, such as Erzurum and Van, the weather will include isolated showers and thunderstorms.

Erzurum will see a high of 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) with cloudy skies, and Van will have similar conditions. The Meteorological Service warned of potential local showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon.

Weather on Sunday in major Turkish tourist destinations

To help residents and visitors prepare for Sunday’s weather, here are the expected temperatures in key tourist destinations and major cities:

• Istanbul: 77-88 degrees Fahrenheit humidity 52-81%
• Izmir: 95 degrees Fahrenheit clear skies
• Antalya: 97 degrees Fahrenheit, clear skies
• Ankara: 88 degrees Fahrenheit, clear skies
• Diyarbakir: 100 degrees Fahrenheit, clear skies, dust storms
• Erzurum: 82 degrees Fahrenheit, isolated showers
• Van: 82 degrees Fahrenheit, isolated showers
• Bodrum: 93 degrees Fahrenheit, clear skies
• Trabzon: 84 degrees Fahrenheit, clear skies

Five-day weather outlook for Turkish tourist destinations

Looking ahead, the weather across Türkiye will continue to vary over the next five days:

• Istanbul: Temperatures will remain between 77 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit with mostly clear skies. Humidity levels will stay high, making the weather feel warmer.
• Izmir: The heat will persist, with highs around 95-98 degrees Fahrenheit under clear skies.
• Antalya: Expect continued heat with temperatures ranging from 95 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the week.
• Ankara: Temperatures will fluctuate between 86 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with sunny skies expected for most of the week.
• Diyarbakir: The heat will intensify, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit Dust storms may continue in the early part of the week.
• Erzurum and Van: These areas will experience cooler temperatures, ranging from 77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit with intermittent showers and thunderstorms likely on some days.

Wildfires, winds take over Türkiye

Strong winds continue to pose a challenge in regions battling wildfires. The service reported: “Winds will generally blow from the north, but in southern and southeastern regions, they will shift from the south.”

The combination of strong winds and rising temperatures may exacerbate fire conditions.

The weather across Türkiye today varies significantly, with some regions experiencing extreme heat and dust storms, while others face thunderstorms. The Meteorological Service urges everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions.