When will it snow in Istanbul? Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen explains
Meteorology expert Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen has answered the highly anticipated question. Şen explained why it hasn't snowed in Istanbul yet and when it is expected to snow. Here are the details...
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Snowfall, which has been seen in many parts of Turkey, has not yet reached Istanbul. Important assessments regarding the eagerly awaited snowfall have come from Meteorology Consultant Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen.
Şen stated, “The decrease in green spaces in Istanbul, the increase in skyscrapers, and the heat island effect are delaying and preventing snowfall.”
Stating that Istanbul has become a city that no longer sees snow, Orhan Şen used the following expressions:
“Skyscrapers block the northeasterly wind (poyraz) that would clean Istanbul's air. This situation reduces the effect of the intensifying wind in cleaning the air in the city and balancing the temperature.”
EMPHASIS ON GREEN SPACES...
Rapidly decreasing green spaces in Istanbul increase air temperature, leading to the prevention of snowfall. Şen said, “Natural areas allow cities to cool down. However, in Istanbul, concrete and asphalt are replacing green spaces. This increases temperatures and lowers the probability of snowfall.”
Experts recall the heavy snowfall Istanbul experienced in the past and question why these scenes have now become rare. The combination of urbanization, climate change, and environmental factors is turning snowfall in Istanbul into a nostalgia.
According to experts, the decrease in snowfall in Istanbul is associated not only with urbanization but also with climate change on a global scale. While emphasizing that urban planning plays an effective role in this regard, Şen stated that green spaces must be increased to protect Istanbul's air and climate.
