New forecast for snowfall: Date announced for transition from sleet to snow

Snowfall, which has been effective in 60 provinces across Turkey, did not occur in Istanbul as expected. However, with the cooling weather in recent days, expectations for snow in Istanbul have returned to the agenda.

Meteorology Professor Mikdat Kadıoğlu has provided a clear answer to the question on the minds of millions: "Will it snow in Istanbul?"

MİKDAT KADIOĞLU GIVES DATE FOR SNOWFALL

Following failed snow forecasts in recent weeks, Kadıoğlu stated that a new weather system will affect Istanbul and announced the day and time when snowfall is expected in the city in his article on SuperHaber. According to Kadıoğlu's forecast, the expected snowfall in Istanbul will be as follows:

TRANSITION FROM SLEET TO SNOW

On January 18, when the cold weather will make its effect felt, rain-dominated weather will prevail in Istanbul during the daytime. However, starting from the evening hours, after 18:00, there is a possibility that sleet will turn into snow. Accumulation may be seen in higher elevations.

Kadıoğlu pointed to Monday, January 19, as the most critical day for Istanbul. Stating that the time frame with the highest probability of snowfall is between 03:00 and 12:00 starting from midnight, Kadıoğlu expressed that there could be a snow accumulation of 1-3 cm in higher elevations.

On Tuesday, January 20, the precipitation is expected to end while the cold weather continues. Kadıoğlu emphasized that while the precipitation will cease on this date, the effect of the cold weather will persist.

Mikdat Kadıoğlu made a statement regarding the criticism on social media about the fact that weather forecasts for Istanbul often do not come true. Stating that weather forecasts are not "prophecies," Kadıoğlu said that forecasts made with scientific data can change from time to time.

He also pointed out that excessive urbanization in metropolitan areas like Istanbul affects air temperatures.

HE DREW ATTENTION TO THE "URBAN HEAT ISLAND" FACTOR

Kadıoğlu stated that the "urban heat island" phenomenon increases the temperature difference between city centers and rural areas. Stating that this difference changes the type of precipitation, he said, "This is the reason why it sticks as snow in Sarıyer while turning into rain in Şişli." He added that the heat in metropolitan areas is 2-4 degrees higher than in surrounding rural areas.

Kadıoğlu said that weather forecasting is a dynamic process and is recalculated every 6-12 hours. Stating that it is wrong to compare today's forecasts with old data, Kadıoğlu illustrated this by saying, "Using a forecast from a few days ago as a reference and comparing it with today is as meaningless as looking at last week's stock market closing to make an investment today."

Finally, warning against accounts on social media that post like meteorologists, Mikdat Kadıoğlu stated that these individuals usually obtain forecasts from the internet and add exaggerated comments to seek clicks. Saying, "Their goal is not to inform, but to get clicks," Kadıoğlu called on the public to rely on real meteorological data.