Türkiye faces yellow, orange alerts as Istanbul faces minus 4°C temperatures

Türkiye is experiencing intense cold weather known as Altay Cold Front. Experts predict that strong snowfall will continue until Monday, with tonight being the coldest of the year.

In Istanbul, temperatures are expected to drop as low as minus 4 degrees Celsius (24.8 Fahrenheit).

The Turkish State Meteorology Service has issued “orange” and “yellow” alerts for 7 and 4 provinces, respectively.

Weather warnings

The Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued several warnings for the country:

• Snowfall: Northern, central, and eastern regions will see intermittent snowfall. Particularly affected areas include the eastern Marmara, northern Central Anatolia, the Black Sea, and northeastern Eastern Anatolia. Additionally, coastal areas of Kırklareli and parts of Aksaray, Nevsehir, Kayseri, and Siirt will also experience snow.
• Strong winds and freezing temperatures: Experts predict intense frost and freezing temperatures across the northern, central, and eastern regions. There’s also an increased risk of avalanches in mountainous areas, especially in the Eastern Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia.
• Frost and ice: Meteorologists emphasize that frost and freezing conditions will be widespread, particularly in the northern, central, and eastern parts of the country. A major concern is the freezing of roads, making travel hazardous.

Forecast for weekend

This Sunday evening is expected to be the coldest day of the year, with temperatures in Istanbul expected to plummet to minus 4 degrees Celsius. Snowfall will continue throughout Sunday.

Safety advice

With the snowstorms and freezing conditions, citizens are urged to remain cautious and take precautions against possible disruptions, such as icy roads and power outages. It is advised to avoid risky outdoor activities, especially in areas prone to avalanches.