Winter returns to Türkiye with 20-degree drop after summer-like weekend

Türkiye is set to experience a dramatic temperature shift in the coming days, as the current unseasonably warm weather will give way to a sudden cold front.

Experts warn that temperatures will drop significantly across the country, with some regions expecting a difference of up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) within a short period.

Extreme temperature rise in Türkiye: Record highs expected over weekend

According to meteorologists, Türkiye is currently experiencing temperatures well above seasonal norms. This weekend, many cities will see temperatures 25-27 degrees Fahrenheit (14-15 degrees Celsius) higher than usual.

• Ankara is expected to reach 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) on Sunday
• Istanbul will see highs of 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) on Saturday
• Izmir is also forecasted to have warm conditions, with temperatures hovering around 79-81 degrees Fahrenheit (26-27 degrees Celsius)
• In the Mediterranean region, temperatures in Adana and Antalya could rise above 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius)

Meteorologist Abdullah Macit from the Turkish State Meteorological Service stated that no rain is expected over the weekend. However, he warned of localized fog and frost risks in the eastern regions during the morning hours, particularly in Eastern Anatolia and the interior parts of the Black Sea region.

Winter returns to Türkiye as temperatures drop sharply starting Tuesday

While the country is currently enjoying warm and dry weather, the situation will change rapidly from Tuesday onwards. Experts predict a sharp and rapid decrease in temperatures, beginning in the northwest and spreading to other regions.

Prof. Dr. Orhan Sen, a meteorology consultant, highlighted that Istanbul’s temperature is expected to plummet from 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) on Saturday to just 46 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) by Tuesday.

Türkiye will once again feel winter conditions. Some cities will see temperature drops of 30 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) within 48 hours.

Prof. Dr. Orhan Sen

Similarly, Ankara’s temperature is expected to drop from a peak of 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) over the weekend to 61 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius) by Tuesday.

The Mediterranean region, including Antalya and Adana, will also experience a cooling trend, with temperatures decreasing from the mid-80 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) to the high 60 degrees Fahrenheit (low 20 degrees Celsius).

Snowfall expected in Central and Eastern Anatolia as temperatures fall in Türkiye

Forecasters are also predicting snowfall in parts of Türkiye next week. Meteorologist Dilek Caliskan stated that the cold front moving in from the Black Sea will bring snow to many regions, including Central Anatolia and Eastern Anatolia. “We might see snowfall accumulation of up to 4-6 inches (10-15 centimeters) in some areas,” she said.

While Istanbul is unlikely to see significant snowfall, Caliskan noted that there is a chance of sleet and strong winds in the city due to the influence of the poyraz (northeasterly wind). “This weather shift will be extreme. People should prepare for winter conditions returning very quickly,” she cautioned.

Strong winds, dust storms expected temperatures in major Turkish cities

The rapid weather change is also expected to bring strong winds, particularly in the Marmara and Aegean regions, where gusts could reach speeds of 25-43 miles per hour (40-70 kilometers per hour).

In addition, meteorologists warn of dust storms coming from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa.

Some of the expected temperatures for major cities next week include:

• Istanbul: From 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) on Saturday to 46 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) by Tuesday
• Ankara: From 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) over the weekend to 61 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius) by Tuesday
• Izmir: From 79-81 degrees Fahrenheit (26-27 degrees Celsius) to cooler temperatures next week
• Adana: Above 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) during the weekend, dropping significantly next week
• Antalya: Similar to Adana, cooling down from 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) to the high 60 degrees Fahrenheit (low 20 degrees Celsius)
• Erzurum: Currently at 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius), expected to drop significantly with snowfall

Sharp temperature drop of 20 degrees will bring unstable weather patterns

Meteorologists warn that sudden drops in temperature often trigger significant atmospheric events. When temperatures decrease by 30 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) in a short time, weather conditions become more unstable.

Increased precipitation is expected, with rainfall likely in many regions. Türkiye will experience winter conditions throughout the next week, though temperatures are expected to return to normal levels by next weekend.

Experts emphasize that this rapid shift includes an expected drop of 20 degrees Fahrenheit (over 10 degrees Celsius) in a single night in some areas. “These drastic temperature fluctuations can lead to storm activity and extreme weather patterns,” meteorologists noted.

Experts advise residents to take precautions against the sudden temperature drop and the strong winds that will accompany it. “After an abnormally warm weekend, winter gear such as scarves, gloves, and heavy coats will once again be necessary,” Caliskan added.