Heatwaves hit Türkiye with record 50.5°C as Europe and Asia face extreme temperatures

Heatwaves are intensifying across a vast geography—from the Mediterranean through Asia, Europe, and the Middle East—pushing thermometers to unprecedented highs.

Since June, extreme heat has surged in Türkiye. Nationwide temperatures are 6 to 12 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages.

The highest recorded temperature hit 50.5°C in Silopi, Şırnak province, marking one of the hottest readings in recent years. Other cities with near-record highs include Mardin's Kızıltepe (49.6°C), Sirnak's Cizre (49.4°C), and Mardin's Nusaybin (49.3°C). In total, six locations across Türkiye have surpassed 49°C.

Heat records in Europe, the Balkans

• Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula, specifically Skala, recorded 46°C.
• The island of Rhodes saw Lindos reach 43.6°C, a new local record.
• Albania’s southwest city of Vlora (Avlonya) hit 42.4°C.
• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, experienced 39°C.

Global heatwave highlights

• Scandinavia is experiencing an unprecedented 14 consecutive days of temperatures above 30°C, a phenomenon unseen since 1961, according to the Finnish Meteorological Institute. In Sweden, daytime temperatures hover around 30°C, with nights near 23°C.
• Southeast Asia—including Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia—is also above normal temperature ranges. Japan’s northern Otaru region reported 34°C.
• The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns that dangerous heatwaves will persist. Baghdad, Iraq, is expected to reach 49°C soon. Egypt, Oman, and many Middle Eastern regions are forecast to continue facing extreme heat in the coming days.

July 26, 2025 10:23 PM GMT+03:00