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A powerful heat wave continues to affect Türkiye, with Istanbul and 38 other provinces recording temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).
Experts warn that the country may face one of the most intense heat events in recent memory, as hot air from North Africa moves directly through Libya and Greece into the region.
Kandilli Observatory meteorology engineer Adil Tek said the current heat wave arrived “from the west of North Africa, passing through Morocco, Tunisia, Italy, and Greece before reaching Türkiye,” and explained that this air flow started to intensify midweek.
“These values are not frequent for Istanbul,” Tek said, adding, “On Friday and Saturday, we estimate that temperatures in some districts may reach 111 degrees Fahrenheit. That could break Istanbul’s all-time temperature record.”
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) also warned that this heat wave poses a health risk to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses.
Authorities advised residents to stay indoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., drink plenty of water, and avoid physical exertion.
Although official measurements show surface temperatures between 93 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, many districts in Istanbul feel much hotter due to high humidity.
On July 23, Sisli recorded a real temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit, but the humidity pushed the perceived temperature to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity level in Sisli reached 99 percent.
Here is how it felt across different parts of Istanbul on July 23, according to official meteorological data:
The combination of heat and humidity has made daytime and nighttime temperatures equally uncomfortable.
Public health officials and meteorologists have issued clear safety advice to reduce health risks:
Professor Sen also urged municipalities to treat heat waves as emergency weather events. He said extreme heat affects not only health but also public infrastructure and city services. “This is not just about discomfort. Without public response, the risk becomes invisible,” he warned.
Meteorological forecasts confirm that Türkiye is experiencing heat levels far above seasonal norms. While most western and central provinces will remain dry, local storms are forecast in the northeast and Eastern Anatolia, and Istanbul is expected to see showers on Wednesday.
Here are the expected highs in key provinces:
Marmara Region
Aegean Region
Mediterranean Region
Central Anatolia
Southeastern Anatolia
Eastern Anatolia
Black Sea Region
Winds will blow from the north at speeds up to 37 miles per hour in several regions, particularly Marmara, Aegean coastlines, and inland parts of Central and Eastern Anatolia. However, officials say these winds will not offer significant relief due to high humidity.
While some cities may experience slight drops in temperature over the weekend, meteorologists warn that another intense heatwave is expected from Monday.
Meteorologist Fevzi Burak Tekin from the Turkish State Meteorological Service told Türkiye Daily, “Temperatures will remain 6 to 12 degrees above seasonal norms this week, with limited rainfall expected only in the northeast.”
Tekin added that Istanbul may see showers on Wednesday, but other major cities like Ankara and Izmir will stay dry and extremely hot this weekend.
In southeastern cities like Siirt, thermometers already hit 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and parts of Mardin and Sirnak reached the same level.
Adil Tek cautioned that another intense heatwave could arrive in early August. “From August 4 or 5, a new wave could bring even higher values than what we’re seeing now,” he said. Forecast models suggest that critical areas include Gaziantep, Hatay, Manisa, and the inland parts of Izmir and Aydin, where temperatures may pass 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
Despite the extreme conditions, officials have not yet introduced emergency public measures. “Extreme heat, just like floods or storms, is a public safety issue,” said Prof. Sen, who emphasized the need for cooling shelters, water stations, and flexible working arrangements.
Health authorities are reminding the public to call emergency services if they experience heat-related symptoms such as fainting, vomiting, or chest pain. The continued rise in electricity demand due to air conditioning is also putting pressure on the power grid.
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