Snow alert for Istanbul from AKOM: Siberian cold is coming!

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Disaster Coordination Center has announced that snowfall will be effective in the city as air temperatures drop.

According to AKOM's forecasts, intermittent rain and occasional sleet will be seen in different regions throughout the day. Snowfall began in the morning hours, particularly in high-altitude areas such as Silivri and Çatalca. The snowfall is expected to intensify across the city after 5:00 PM.

SIBERIAN COLD GRIPS ISTANBUL

A cold wave of Siberian origin continues to affect Istanbul. Temperatures are expected to drop by another 1-2 degrees starting Tuesday, and short-term heavy snowfall may occur during morning and evening hours until Wednesday. Temperatures across the city are expected to range between 0 and 5 degrees.

STRONG WIND AND FROST WARNING

AKOM stated that strong and occasionally gusty winds from the north will cause temperatures to drop even further. Citizens have been warned against the risk of frost and icing, especially as air temperatures are expected to drop to zero degrees during the night and morning hours.

INCREASE EXPECTED IN DAM OCCUPANCY RATES

The current occupancy rate of dams in Istanbul is measured at 54.98 percent. It is estimated that the occupancy rate could rise above 65 percent with the precipitation expected throughout February.

NO PERMANENT SNOW COVER EXPECTED

According to assessments made by AKOM, current temperatures are 1-2 degrees above the level required for snow accumulation. For this reason, although a short-term white cover may form during snowfall, it melts rapidly after the precipitation stops. Therefore, a permanent snow cover is not expected.

IMPORTANT WARNING FROM AKOM

AKOM stated that citizens should be careful due to snowfall and icing, emphasizing that precautions should be taken against potential negative conditions, especially during the evening and night hours. In the statement, the public was urged to "be careful," and information was shared that air temperatures in Istanbul will remain 5-8 degrees below seasonal norms until February 25. Authorities advised citizens to take precautions against cold weather and snowfall, to be careful in traffic, and to avoid using private vehicles unless necessary.