Flights cancelled, alarm raised! Polar cold descends on Istanbul

The Turkish State Meteorological Service and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) have issued a warning regarding the expected cold air wave in Istanbul. As the Siberian-origin cold air wave takes hold of the megacity, sleet is expected today, followed by heavy snowfall tomorrow.

WILL CONTINUE UNTIL WEDNESDAY NOON

Snowfall that began in the morning on the European side continues to affect the higher parts of the city. Short-term heavy snowfall may be seen, especially during morning and evening hours, until Wednesday noon.

SOME FLIGHTS CANCELLED

Due to the expected adverse weather conditions, flight cancellations have begun at Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

Five percent of flights were cancelled today.

It was announced that cancellations are expected to reach 10 percent on Wednesday, February 12.

SEVERE COLD IS COMING

According to a report by Hürriyet, meteorology expert Dr. Güven Özdemir stated that Turkey is entering the influence of polar cold, saying:

“We had a dry and warm January. However, February brought harsh cold along with strong northern winds. For the last 10 days, constant cold air, strong winds, and precipitation have been effective. We can say that even more severe cold awaits us.”

Özdemir emphasized that there is a risk of sleet in the Marmara Region, Istanbul, and the Western Black Sea coasts, and snowfall in higher elevations.

"At an altitude of approximately 1500 meters, the air temperature will drop to -7 to -8 degrees, and at an altitude of 5000 meters, it will drop to -30 degrees. This situation increases the probability of snowfall in and around Istanbul in the coming days."

EXPERT GIVES DATES

Meteorological engineer Adil Tek stated that the polar cold will increase its effect starting from February 12. Pointing out that the air originating from the Vortex will begin to descend from the poles starting February 12, Tek said, “Precipitation is expected to be seen again between February 14-16. It is predicted that an extreme cold air system will drift over us between February 17-20; if this system arrives, we could experience very cold days.

It is thought that this situation may continue after February 22. Models currently show this possibility. If it happens, the probability of storms and 'extreme snow' in the northern parts of the country is quite high,” he said.