Istanbul is bracing for an extended stretch of extreme summer weather as dual heat waves sweeping in from Africa and the Middle East are set to push temperatures past 35 degrees Celsius for around 10 days.
The heat is forecast to reach the city on Aug. 20 after a relatively mild spell in recent weeks, when northerly winds known as the “poyraz” helped keep temperatures quite moderate. According to the latest forecasts from the Turkish State Meteorological Service and Istanbul Municipality’s Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM), temperatures will rise gradually through the week.
Istanbul is expected to see sunny skies and temperatures reaching 35-36 degrees Celsius on Aug. 20. Temperatures are forecast to remain high through the remainder of the week, bringing another period of oppressive summer heat to the metropolis.
Across the country, temperatures are initially expected to remain close to seasonal averages, with locally heavy showers and thunderstorms forecast in parts of the Mediterranean, Black Sea and eastern regions.
Elsewhere, temperatures will reach 35 degrees Celsius in Edirne and Manisa, 36 degrees Celsius in Aydın and parts of southeastern Türkiye, while İzmir is expected to reach 33 degrees Celsius. Antalya and Adana will see highs of around 34 degrees Celsius.
The eastern Black Sea coast will remain cooler, with temperatures of about 27 degrees Celsius forecast in Trabzon and Rize, alongside locally heavy showers.
The approaching heat wave is expected to mark a sharp shift from Istanbul’s comparatively comfortable summer conditions.
