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Winter conditions are set to strengthen in Istanbul as a new cold air system brings snowfall after a short period of warmer weather.
Türkiye’s State Meteorological Service (MGM) warned that a cold air system moving from the west will bring snowfall to Istanbul and harsher winter conditions across parts of the country in the coming days, following a brief period of mild weather.
According to official forecasts released on Feb. 20, much of Türkiye will experience changing weather patterns through the weekend, with rising temperatures in western regions on Friday followed by a sharp drop and widespread precipitation starting Sunday.
Meteorologists said western parts of the country will remain partly to mostly cloudy on Friday, with rain expected in Thrace, the Aegean coast and areas around Canakkale.
Other regions will see mostly clear conditions, while icy conditions and frost are expected in inland and eastern provinces during morning hours.
Authorities also warned of avalanche risks in steep areas with heavy snow cover in eastern Anatolia and the inland parts of the eastern Black Sea region.
Strong winds from the southwest are expected to reach 40 to 60 kilometers per hour in western Marmara and along the Aegean coast. Heavy rainfall is forecast overnight in Canakkale, Edirne and Kirklareli.
Forecasts indicate that Istanbul will experience mild and partly cloudy weather on Feb. 20, with temperatures rising to around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius.
However, meteorologists said this short period of warmer weather will give way to a strong cold wave beginning Sunday.
The cold air system will cause temperatures to drop rapidly across the Marmara region. Rainfall in Istanbul is expected to turn into sleet and snowfall, particularly in higher elevation districts such as Camlica, Aydos, Kartal and Beykoz, where snow accumulation is likely.
Snowfall that begins Sunday may continue intermittently into Monday, with nighttime temperatures falling below freezing. Officials warned that icy roads and frost could disrupt transportation, especially during morning commute hours.
Authorities advised residents to prepare for possible travel delays and urged drivers without winter tires or snow chains to avoid traffic during severe conditions. Public transport users were also advised to plan for potential service disruptions.
Meteorological forecasts show shifting weather conditions across the country between Feb. 19 and Feb. 23:
Central Anatolia, the inland Black Sea region and eastern Anatolia are expected to see significant snowfall, while strong rainfall is forecast along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.
Meteorologists issued several warnings related to severe weather conditions in different regions.
Heavy rainfall is expected in coastal areas of Artvin and around Rize, raising the risk of flooding and transport disruptions. Strong winds of up to 70 kilometers per hour may affect parts of the western Black Sea and western Mediterranean, increasing the risk of structural damage and travel delays.
Avalanche danger remains high in snow covered mountainous areas of eastern Anatolia and the inland eastern Black Sea region. Authorities also warned of dust transport in southeastern provinces, which could reduce air quality and visibility.
Officials urged residents across affected regions to remain cautious and follow official updates as winter conditions intensify in the coming days.
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