Scorching heat intensifies in Istanbul: Critical warnings from experts

The Turkish State Meteorological Service and the Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) have announced that extreme heat will be effective in many cities, especially Istanbul, between June 25 and 27. The statements emphasized that temperatures across the city will range between 34 and 37 degrees from Wednesday to Friday, and that the risk of heatstroke increases between 11:00 and 16:00, when the sun's rays are at their most direct.

The heatwave coming from North Africa and the high humidity level are causing the sweltering weather to be felt even more intensely in Istanbul.

Meteorological Engineer Adil Tek stated, "The heatwave coming from North Africa has increased its effect as of today. The effect of this wave will continue until the weekend. Temperatures are approaching 40 degrees in our southern regions, and in some provinces, they are rising above this level. In Istanbul, temperatures are rising up to 35 degrees, and in areas without wind or with little circulation, the felt temperature can reach 39 degrees."

AS HUMIDITY LEVELS RISE...

Tek noted that although the northeasterly wind (poyraz) sometimes creates a cooling effect, temperatures in inland areas are above 30 degrees even in the shade. "As the humidity level increases, the body's cooling mechanism is strained. We try to lower our body temperature through sweating, but when there is too much humidity in the air, the sweat cannot evaporate and accumulates on the body. This causes more sweltering," he said.

Touching on the precautions that should be taken in hot weather, Tek said, "First, there is the risk of heat exhaustion and then heatstroke. Nausea, weakness, and loss of consciousness can be seen in heat exhaustion. For this reason, it is necessary not to be exposed to direct sunlight, especially between 10:00 and 16:00. Sports and exercises should be moved to the morning or evening hours, plenty of water should be consumed, and light-colored cotton clothing should be preferred. In addition, extra precautions should be taken for the elderly, children, those with chronic illnesses, and stray animals; shade and water should be provided for animals," he said.

Tek stated that they anticipate heatwaves will continue in July and August, and that they expect fewer heatwaves this summer compared to last year, but more than in 2023.

Providing information on what to do in case of heat exhaustion, Tek said, "If a person has been exposed to heat exhaustion, they should be taken to a cool environment immediately, their clothes should be loosened, and they should be given cold water to drink. If symptoms do not improve, medical help should be sought. In case of heatstroke, water or ice can be used to cool the person and lower their body temperature," he said.

Daily life is also changing due to the effect of the hot weather. Muzaffer Köse, who lives near the Bosphorus, said, "The hot weather doesn't affect us much; when we get overwhelmed, we go into the sea. We missed summer, and we missed the heat," while courier Barış Burgucuoğlu said, "Temperatures have risen a lot, we are having trouble working. We found the solution in cooling off at the beach. It looks like the coming days will be even hotter."