Türkiye’s gas consumption hits record amid Istanbul snow, colder days ahead

Türkiye set a record for daily natural gas consumption, reaching 300 million cubic meters (79 billion gallons) amid cold weather that particularly affected Istanbul this week, state-owned energy company BOTAS reported.

According to BOTAS, the previous record was set on Jan. 19, 2022, with 288 million cubic meters of daily natural gas consumption, another date when snowfall significantly impacted Istanbul.

ed historic tram moves through Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul during a snowfall, surrounded by pedestrians in winter clothing — Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures will hit Istanbul this week with risks of icy roads, Istanbul, Türkiye, Jan. 26, 2024. (AA Photo)

Following the Meteorological Service’s warning of heavy snowfall for the Marmara Region this week, intermittent snow was observed across various parts of Istanbul.

On the Anatolian side, snowfall continued throughout Feb. 5 in districts such as Kartal, Sultanbeyli, Kadikoy and Umraniye, while on the European side, it was observed intermittently, particularly in Sultangazi and Kucukcekmece, intensifying in the evening as temperatures dropped to 2 degrees Celsius (35.6 degrees Farenhiet ) citywide.

Cars lined up in traffic in Istanbul after snowfall — Traffic congestion has formed in some areas of Istanbul because of the impact of snowfall, Istanbul, Türkiye, Feb. 7, 2025. (AA Photo)

Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines, AJet, and Pegasus Airlines canceled their arriving and departing flights in Istanbul, particularly at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), between Feb. 5-7.

The file photo shows a blurred view of a Turkish Airlines aircraft parked at the gate through an airport window covered with raindrops. (Adobe Stock Photo)

Warnings for upcoming Istanbul snow next week

However, although snowfall stopped over the weekend, the Meteorological Service has forecasted that it will return from Monday to Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to drop to 1 degree Celsius, while wind speeds could reach 23 kilometers per hour (14.29 miles per hour).

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) also reported that Siberian-origin cold and rainy weather will continue to affect most of the country, including Istanbul.

Temperatures across the city are expected to remain within winter levels, ranging between 5-8. degrees Celsius overall throughout the upcoming week. Additionally, AKOM issued a three-day snow warning for Istanbul, forecasting rain mixed with snow on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Turkish carriers have not announced any flight cancellations yet, but disruptions remain possible.