Dust storm on the horizon: Watch out for these hours in Istanbul!

The General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM) has released its weather forecast report for Friday, May 16. According to the report, partly to very cloudy weather is expected across Turkey. Intermittent showers and thunderstorms are forecast for the Marmara region, the Aegean region (excluding Muğla and Denizli), the Western Black Sea (excluding Sinop), the northwest of Central Anatolia, as well as the surroundings of Antalya, Isparta, and Kırıkkale.

LOCALLY THUNDERY SHOWERS EXPECTED IN ISTANBUL

The report also included a special warning for Istanbul. It was stated that the showers, expected to be effective between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM, will be accompanied by thunder at times. Citizens were urged to be cautious against potential flash floods, water accumulation, and disruptions to transportation during the rainfall.

LOCAL HEAVY RAINFALL WARNING FOR THRACE

Kırklareli, Edirne, and Tekirdağ are at the forefront of the regions issued a heavy rainfall warning. In these three provinces, thunderstorms are expected to be locally heavy starting from Saturday morning. Meteorological authorities warned citizens in these regions against negative consequences such as flash floods, water accumulation, and lightning strikes.

DUST TRANSPORT FROM LIBYA: THE SKY MAY DARKEN

A warning for dust transport was also issued, particularly for the Marmara, Aegean, and western parts of Central Anatolia. The dense dust cloud expected to arrive from Libya will begin to affect Turkey starting from Friday afternoon. Due to the dust transport, which will lower air quality, citizens with respiratory conditions are advised to take precautions when going outside.

According to the meteorological report, the wind will also be effective in many regions. In the Marmara, Aegean, Western Mediterranean, and the western parts of Central Anatolia, the wind is expected to blow strongly (50-70 km/h) from the south and southwest. In the coastal Aegean and western Marmara in particular, the wind is expected to occasionally reach the strength of a strong storm (60-90 km/h).

In its statement, the General Directorate of Meteorology warned citizens against potential negative events. It was noted that risks such as reduced visibility, decreased air quality, and transportation disruptions could occur due to dust transport; while citizens were urged to be careful and prepared for incidents such as roof damage, fallen trees, lightning, flash floods, and water accumulation due to heavy rain and wind.

MAY CONTINUE IN THE COMING DAYS

Meteorological experts state that there is a high probability that the dust transport and rainy weather will continue through the weekend. 

News Source: 12punto