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Türkiye braces for heavy rains, first snow as temperatures drop this weekend

A view of Yedigoller National Park, hosting many different species of trees dominated mainly by green and brown tones, during autumn season in Bolu, Türkiye, September 17, 2025. (AA Photo)
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A view of Yedigoller National Park, hosting many different species of trees dominated mainly by green and brown tones, during autumn season in Bolu, Türkiye, September 17, 2025. (AA Photo)
By Newsroom
September 19, 2025 12:01 PM GMT+03:00

Türkiye is entering a cooler and wetter period as the Meteorology General Directorate (MGM) warns of heavy rainfall across 17 provinces and the season’s first snow in the Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia regions.

Experts urge citizens to prepare for flooding risks and transport disruptions as temperatures fall by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius nationwide.

Heavy rain warning issued for 17 provinces in Türkiye

MGM announced that strong rain showers are expected on Friday and throughout the weekend, particularly in the Black Sea region and eastern parts of the country.

  • Provinces under warning: Artvin, Bitlis, Bolu, Giresun, Hakkari, Kastamonu, Ordu, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Sinop, Trabzon, Van, Zonguldak, Bartin, Karabuk and Duzce will see intermittent rain.
  • Regions to watch: The eastern Black Sea coast and high-altitude areas such as Erzurum, Kars, Ardahan and Agri may experience intense downpours.
  • Potential risks: Sudden floods, waterlogging, landslides and transport delays are possible, authorities said.

Meteorology officials warned farmers in the Black Sea region that saturated soil increases the risk of flooding and called for extra precautions to protect crops and livestock.

Weekend weather forecast for Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir

Weather reports show cooler but generally stable conditions in Türkiye’s largest cities, offering a mix of partly cloudy skies and mild temperatures.

  • Istanbul: Partly cloudy on Saturday (17°C–26°C) and mostly clear on Sunday (18°C–27°C).
  • Ankara: Partly cloudy on Saturday (9°C–24°C) and mostly clear on Sunday (10°C–25°C).
  • Izmir: Mostly sunny with higher temperatures, reaching 30°C on Saturday and 32°C on Sunday.

These conditions make the weekend relatively comfortable for outdoor activities in western Türkiye, though travelers heading to the Black Sea and eastern regions should monitor local warnings.

First snow covers Rize highlands and Erzurum plateaus

As September draws to a close, Türkiye has already seen its first snowfalls.

In Rize’s Ovit Mountain area at 2,640 meters altitude, rain turned into snow overnight, covering highland plateaus with a 10-centimeter white layer.

Erzurum also reported new snowfall in Oltu’s Nugucuk Plateau and around Gaceti Mountain, where shepherds recorded the early arrival of winter conditions.

Temperatures dropped to –2°C in some parts of Eastern Anatolia, and meteorologists expect more rain and occasional thunderstorms in the coming days.

Turkish authorities urge caution against floods, landslides

Authorities are encouraging travelers and residents to check daily forecasts before heading out, especially in areas at risk of heavy rainfall.

People should remain cautious against sudden floods and landslides, experts said.

Drivers are advised to watch for slippery roads, and those in rural areas should secure equipment and livestock ahead of possible storms.

September 19, 2025 12:02 PM GMT+03:00
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