Yellow-coded warning issued for Türkiye’s Marmara as snow, rain impact Istanbul

A cold and rainy weather system has begun affecting the Marmara region, prompting the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM) to issue a yellow-coded warning for 13 provinces, including Istanbul.

The forecast includes heavy rain in low-lying areas and snowfall in higher elevations, signaling the start of more severe winter conditions.

In Istanbul, rain is expected to dominate, but the city’s northern and higher areas may see brief periods of mixed rain and snow. This marks a shift in the city’s weather, which has been unusually mild for this time of year.

Heavy rainfall could lead to urban flooding, while snowfall at higher elevations may disrupt traffic and daily life. Istanbul, as the Türkiye’s largest metropolis, is likely to experience localized flooding, slippery roads, and disruptions to public transportation.

Details

• Rain and snow:
  • In Istanbul and its surrounding areas, rain will dominate, but higher elevations in the Marmara region are expected to see snowfall.
  • Trakya’s interior regions will experience mixed rain and snow, with heavier snowfall likely in localized areas.

• Temperature changes:
  • Marmara’s coastal areas, including Istanbul, will see temperatures drop to seasonal norms. Interior parts of the region are expected to experience a decline of 1-3°C below average.
• Wind:
  • Winds will shift from southerly to northerly directions, especially in Marmara, the western Black Sea, and the northern Aegean, with speeds reaching 40-60 km/h in some areas.

Yellow-coded warning

The following provinces in Marmara are under a yellow-coded warning for heavy rainfall and potential localized flooding:

• Istanbul, Bursa, Edirne, Kocaeli, Yalova, Balikesir, Canakkale, Tekirdag and Kirklareli.
• Warnings extend to additional provinces outside Marmara, including Aydin, Izmir, Mugla and Manisa.

In Istanbul, localized heavy rain could lead to temporary flooding in low-lying areas and slowdowns in traffic.

Northern districts and neighborhoods at higher altitudes may experience brief snow or sleet, causing slippery road conditions.

Residents are advised to monitor updates and plan commutes carefully, especially during peak hours.

Trakya, including Edirne and Kirklareli, is forecasted to experience mixed rain and snow, with snowfall likely to affect rural and high-altitude areas.