Important warning from experts: Extreme heat and sudden rainfall await Turkey throughout the summer

Meteorology expert Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen announced that the "Super El Niño" phenomenon, which has begun to affect the world and Turkey, has officially started. According to Şen, we have entered a period where we may encounter natural events outside of seasonal norms. Even the record-breaking El Niño of 1997 may fall short of the effects expected this year. It is stated that temperatures will rise rapidly starting from July and the effects will continue until the autumn and winter months.

Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen assessed the situation, stating, "Very sudden and high increases in air temperatures are expected from the second half of the summer season. These temperatures, which are estimated to potentially last until September, will pose health risks, especially for the elderly and individuals with chronic illnesses. Afterwards, there is a high probability that the moisture accumulated in the atmosphere will lead to severe rainfall and flooding."

PRECIPITATION RATES UNSEEN IN THE LAST 66 YEARS

Prof. Dr. Yusuf Demir from Samsun Ondokuz Mayıs University stated that Turkey is going through one of its wettest periods in 66 years. He reported that in the last 6 months, precipitation across the country has increased by over 80 percent compared to last year and has been approximately 25 percent higher than the water year average. Demir pointed out that the intense rainfall occurring in a short period of time brings flash floods with it.

Demir said, "Sometimes a month's worth of rainfall can fall in an hour. This brings many risks, especially flooding. The root cause of this is global climate change. Temperatures in the Mediterranean basin are breaking records, and fluctuations in jet streams along with El Niño and La Niña transitions are increasing meteorological imbalances."

CLARIFICATION ON PUBLIC SPECULATION REGARDING RAINFALL

Addressing the claims frequently raised on social media that "rainfall is being artificially manipulated," Prof. Dr. Yusuf Demir emphasized that these rumors have no scientific basis. "Such claims do not reflect the truth. The increase in precipitation is directly related to atmospheric movements and climate dynamics. Speculations should not be given credence," he said.

Both experts reminded citizens to be careful, especially during the summer months, stating that heat and drought will increase throughout July, August, and September, while sudden, severe rainfall will continue to pose risks in various regions. It was reported that the flood threat will persist in some regions, particularly in the Black Sea region.

Experts state that taking necessary precautions at both individual and institutional levels and being prepared for extreme weather events is of vital importance.