Understanding Türkiye's meteorological warning codes can save lives, experts say

In Türkiye, awareness of meteorological warning codes is crucial in reducing damage and casualties during extreme weather events. Professor Mikdat Kadioglu, a faculty member at Istanbul Technical University’s (ITU) Department of Climate Science and Meteorology, emphasized that correctly interpreting the color-coded alerts issued by the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM) can significantly enhance public safety.

“People who understand the warning codes are better prepared for disasters. This reduces both human losses and recovery time,” Kadioglu explained in a recent interview.

Color codes as risk management tools

Meteorological color codes are more than just weather information; they act as a direct guide for risk management. Türkiye uses a system called MeteoUYARI, based on Europe’s MeteoAlarm platform, which covers 34 countries. Alerts are classified according to severity, duration, geographical reach, and frequency of weather events.

“Each color represents a different level of risk, and it tells people exactly how to respond. However, the meaning of these colors is not always well understood,” Kadioglu noted.

Authorities mark regions on maps by risk level, making it essential for residents to follow MGM’s official sources and mobile applications regularly.

Drivers struggle as heavy rainfall causes water accumulation on roads in some neighborhoods of Fethiye, disrupting daily life as downpours that began yesterday continued overnight in Mugla, Türkiye, April 4, 2026. (AA Photo)

From green to red: What each alert means

• Green: Indicates no immediate danger. Normal activities can continue, though updates should still be monitored.
• Yellow: The most common alert, signaling potential hazards such as rain, fog, or wind that may affect daily life. People should review plans and stay updated.
• Orange: Signals high risk. Heavy rain, heavy snow, or storms may occur, causing potential damage. Unnecessary travel should be avoided.
• Red: Represents the highest level of risk, indicating life-threatening conditions and large-scale disasters. Citizens must stay indoors and follow official instructions.

Monitoring a wide range of hazards

MeteoUYARI tracks twelve types of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, cold spells, heavy rainfall, strong winds, snow, ice, avalanches, and dust transport. Kadioglu advised simple precautions such as avoiding riverbeds during sudden floods, staying clear of trees or poles in strong winds, and reducing speed in dense fog, measures that can save lives.

Kadioglu also pointed out challenges in public understanding. Media reports often describe storms generally without specifying the alert level, which can lead to confusion. Social media has seen false interpretations, such as equating yellow alerts with school closures. “The color code is a meteorological risk indicator, not an administrative decision,” he clarified.

Building awareness for societal benefit

Beyond individual safety, public understanding of warning codes reduces economic damage, speeds recovery, and lessens the burden on disaster response agencies like AFAD. Kadioglu recommended incorporating the system into educational curricula, improving media communication, and increasing use of digital applications.

MeteoUYARI color code summary:

April 10, 2026 06:10 AM GMT+03:00