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Türkiye’s and Europe’s largest city, Istanbul, is expected to be gripped by heavy rain and strong winds early next week, on Oct. 27-29, according to a warning from the Disaster Coordination Center of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (AKOM).
The center said that the mild and partly cloudy weather forecast for the weekend will give way to intense rainfall and stormy conditions beginning Monday. Winds are predicted to reach speeds of up to 65 kilometers (40 miles) per hour, while rainfall is expected to total between 10 and 30 kilograms per square meter across the city.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious amid risks of flash floods, temporary road closures, and water accumulation in low-lying areas.
Meteorological data indicate that the heaviest rainfall will likely affect coastal and northern districts such as Beykoz, Sile, Pendik, and Tuzla, where maximum temperatures are expected to reach between 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and 28 degrees Celsius on Monday. Central areas, including Besiktas, Kadikoy, Sisli, and Fatih, will also experience strong showers, with highs ranging from 24 degrees Celsius to 26 degrees Celsius.
Western districts such as Buyukcekmece, Catalca, and Silivri are forecast to face similar conditions, with downpours expected on both Monday and Tuesday before skies clear midweek. Inland districts like Basaksehir, Bagcilar, and Sultangazi are likely to see slightly cooler conditions, with daytime temperatures between 22°C and 24°C.
By Wednesday, most parts of the city are forecast to return to partly cloudy conditions, with daytime highs between 16 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows around 7 degrees Celsius.
The approaching storm could also cause flight delays and cancellations at Istanbul’s main airports. Strong winds and heavy rain are expected to intensify in the evening hours at both Istanbul Airport (on the European side) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (on the Asian side), potentially affecting landings and takeoffs.
While no official cancellations have been announced so far, airline operators are closely monitoring weather conditions and making real-time assessments. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid last-minute disruptions.
AKOM urged motorists to remain vigilant during the period of heavy rainfall, especially in flood-prone areas.
The center noted that municipal emergency teams will remain on standby throughout Istanbul to minimize disruptions to transportation and infrastructure.
Residents are advised to prepare for two days of unsettled weather, as heavy rain and powerful winds are set to take hold of the city before clearer autumn skies return midweek.
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