Türkiye steps into winter as temperatures drop, first big snow announced

Türkiye entered a colder and wetter period this week as national forecasts pointed to sharp temperature drops, widespread rain, and the arrival of early-season snow in several eastern provinces.

The Meteorology General Directorate and AKOM said the new system will affect many regions at the same time.

A person holds an umbrella while checking their phone near the waterfront during heavy rain in Istanbul, Türkiye. (Adobe Stock Photo)

Where will it rain in Türkiye?

Meteorology’s update for Nov. 13 shows rain across large areas.

The Marmara Region, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, the eastern half of Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, and the western part of Southeastern Anatolia will see strong and at times thundery showers.

Temperatures will fall by two to four degrees in the interior and eastern provinces. Meteorology expects stable temperatures in other regions.

Regional forecasts include the following:

• The Marmara Region will see heavy clouds and rain in the east.
• The Aegean Region will remain partly cloudy.
• The Mediterranean Region will see showers in central and eastern areas, including Adana, Antalya, and Hatay.
• Central Anatolia will see rain in the south and east, with strong showers in Nigde, Kayseri, and Sivas.
• Western Black Sea will see widespread rain in Bolu, Duzce, Sinop, and Zonguldak.
• The Central and Eastern Black Sea will see rain at lower levels and snow or mixed precipitation at higher elevations in inland areas.
• Eastern Anatolia will see rain in the north and west, with snow at higher elevations near Erzurum and Kars.
• Southeastern Anatolia will see showers in Diyarbakir and Gaziantep.

Meteorology warned that rainfall may strengthen in Nigde, Kayseri, Sivas, Samsun, Ordu, and Giresun.

Municipal worker is clearing snow from the streets following heavy snowfall. Erzurum, Türkiye, October 13, 2025. (AA Photo)

First major snowfall expected in eastern Türkiye this weekend

A separate update from Meteorology and AKOM shows a stronger cold wave from Tuesday onward.

Temperatures will drop by four to five degrees at the start of the week. The cold spell will deepen during the weekend, and snowfall will reach the eastern highlands.

Meteorology expects the season’s first major snowfall in Erzurum, Kars, Ardahan, Erzincan, and Agri from Saturday evening into Sunday morning. Experts warned about freezing conditions and travel risks on higher roads.

The latest forecasts also show weekend snowfall or mixed precipitation in wider areas of Eastern Anatolia and the inland Black Sea. This includes Nevsehir, Nigde, Erzurum, Yozgat, Sivas, Igdir, Kayseri, Kars, Hakkari, Bitlis, Van, Ardahan, and Mus.

Meteorologists noted that these areas may see the first strong winter conditions of the season.

How's weather in Istanbul this week?

Istanbul will see rain throughout the week. AKOM said temperatures will fall to seasonal norms. The city will see strong showers today, followed by a partly cloudy weekend.

Meteorology reported heavy clouds and light rain during the morning and midday in Istanbul. Surrounding cities such as Bursa and Kocaeli will also see cloud cover and light showers.

Clouds over Istanbul signal the approaching cold front expected to bring rainfall and early-season snowfall in higher regions of Türkiye. Istanbul, Türkiye, October 9, 2025. (AA Photo)

Key weather risks across Türkiye this week

Meteorology pointed to several areas that may face stronger conditions:

• Stronger rain: Nigde, Kayseri, Sivas, Samsun, Ordu, Giresun
• Early heavy snow: Erzurum, Kars, Ardahan, Erzincan, Agri
• High-elevation snowfall and freezing risk: Inland Eastern Black Sea highlands and the northern mountains of Eastern Anatolia
• Weekend snowfall zone: Nevsehir, Nigde, Erzurum, Yozgat, Sivas, Igdir, Kayseri, Kars, Hakkari, Bitlis, Van, Ardahan, Mus

Meteorology advised residents to act carefully during rapid temperature drops and to stay alert in areas with freezing conditions. AKOM repeated the warning and encouraged people in regions expecting snow to plan travel with extra caution.

November 13, 2025 11:35 AM GMT+03:00