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Weather alerts hit Türkiye as 15 provinces face storms ahead of Eid holiday

People walk around the Sultanahmet Square on a rainy day in Istanbul, Türkiye on March 18, 2025. (AA Photo)
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BigPhoto
People walk around the Sultanahmet Square on a rainy day in Istanbul, Türkiye on March 18, 2025. (AA Photo)
By Newsroom
March 19, 2026 10:25 AM GMT+03:00

Türkiye faces a sharp weather shift today, March 19, as temperatures fall across the country.

The General Directorate of Meteorology issued yellow-coded alerts for 15 provinces. This cold snap arrives just as citizens prepare for the Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayrami) holiday.

Yellow alerts for 15 provinces

The General Directorate of Meteorology warned of heavy rain and strong winds across Marmara, the Aegean, and Central Anatolia.

The yellow-coded alert specifically targets the following provinces:

  • Major hubs: Istanbul, Izmir, and Bursa.
  • Northern and western regions: Balikesir, Canakkale, Edirne, Kirklareli, Tekirdag, and Yalova.
  • Southern and central regions: Adana, Hatay, Mersin, Nigde, Karaman, and Osmaniye.

Winds in the Marmara and northern Aegean regions will reach speeds between 40 and 70 kilometers per hour. These strong winds may cause disruptions to local transport.

A man forced to walk in rainy and windy weather in Istanbul, Türkiye, November 21, 2024. (AFP Photo)
A man forced to walk in rainy and windy weather in Istanbul, Türkiye, November 21, 2024. (AFP Photo)

Four seasons expected during Eid al-Fitr

Meteorologists expect a varied weather pattern during the upcoming holiday.

Temperatures have already fallen by 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. While some regions experience spring rain, others will face winter conditions.

  • Central and southern regions: Rain and heavy thunderstorms will affect Central Anatolia and the Mediterranean line during the first and second days of the holiday.
  • Eastern regions: High altitude areas in Erzurum, Kars, and Ardahan will see heavy snowfall.
  • Western regions: Storms and rain will persist through the start of the holiday, though skies may begin to clear by Sunday, March 22.
A view of a passenger ferry and a seagull flies over the Bosphorus during a rainy day in Kadikoy district of Istanbul, Türkiye, January 17, 2026. (AA Photo)
A view of a passenger ferry and a seagull flies over the Bosphorus during a rainy day in Kadikoy district of Istanbul, Türkiye, January 17, 2026. (AA Photo)

Travel warnings for holiday visitors

The sudden temperature drop poses risks for those traveling for family visits.

Authorities advise drivers to prepare for rain and sudden cooling in central and eastern regions.

The eastern Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia regions face specific dangers. High snow cover on sloped terrain creates a risk of avalanches and snowmelt. Residents and travelers in these areas should remain cautious.

Today's forecast for major cities:

  • Istanbul: 9 degrees Celsius with intermittent rain.
  • Ankara: 10 degrees Celsius with overcast skies and rain.
  • Izmir: 15 degrees Celsius with showers expected in the afternoon.

The rainy system will affect most of the country throughout the holiday period. Temperatures will remain below the seasonal norms seen earlier this month.

March 19, 2026 10:25 AM GMT+03:00
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