Expert warning on 'eyyam-ı bahur': Temperatures in Istanbul to reach 40 degrees

Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Toros, a faculty member at Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Department of Meteorological Engineering, told AA that since the end of July and the beginning of August have been recorded as hot in calendars throughout history, these dates are known as 'eyyam-ı bahur'.

Stating that these dates are recorded as "July 31-August 7" in some calendars and "August 1-8" in others, Toros said that "eyyam-ı bahur" means the hottest days.

Noting that these dates have begun to shift, Toros said, "We broke a global temperature record on July 21 this year. We are in a period where records are being broken. In June, temperatures in Turkey were 3-6 degrees warmer than the long-term average. We are experiencing the hottest days we used to see at the end of July and the beginning of August right now. It has lasted a very long time this year. The scorching heat of Africa has moved northward, covering Turkey, due to the effect of high-pressure areas formed over Africa."

'EVERY LAST 10 YEARS ARE HOTTER THAN THE PREVIOUS ONES'

Pointing out that African heat has been affecting Turkey since June, Toros said, "We expect this heat to continue in August. Even though cold waves come from time to time, there is such a massive heat effect that it has essentially stalled. It has covered all of Southern Europe, Turkey, Southern Russia, and Ukraine. The entire region has temperatures above normal."

Reminding that Istanbul's daily average temperature in July is 24-25 degrees, Toros noted the following:

"In July, daily high temperatures have exceeded 30 degrees. In this sense, we are experiencing 'eyyam-ı bahur'. Forecasts for the coming days show that the hot weather will continue in a similar way. In short, we are experiencing a long 'eyyam-ı bahur' period this year. Looking at past data, temperatures during the 'eyyam-ı bahur' period reach 34-35 degrees, and the felt temperature reaches 40 degrees. We expect 34-35 degrees again this year."

Stating that temperature increases are also influenced by global warming, Toros reminded that records have been broken in temperatures globally in recent years as well.

Toros said, "Every last 10 years have become hotter than the previous years. The year 2023 was an indicator of this. These temperatures bring many disasters with them. Forest fires, health impacts... Thousands of people in Southern Europe have started to die due to the effect of heat waves. We are being negatively affected."

Giving warnings to those who will go out in this weather, Toros continued:

"To avoid being negatively affected, it is necessary to avoid strenuous work during the noon hours when the temperature is high as much as possible. Our villages and farmers are accustomed to these conditions and protect their bodies completely. If we can protect our bodies from sunlight and our bodies are accustomed to it, let's continue working, but if not, let's move strenuous work outside the hours when sun rays are intense as much as possible. Let's stay in shaded areas so we are not affected by the sweltering weather. Especially disadvantaged groups, the elderly, and children are more affected by this weather."

RAIN EXPECTED TOMORROW

Istanbul Aydın University faculty member and meteorology expert Dr. Güven Özdemir reminded that 'eyyam-ı bahur' is a humid heat wave.

Stating that this name should not be referred to as a disaster-level temperature, Özdemir expressed that temperatures have increased by 2-3 degrees as of the end of July.

Stating that rain is expected in Marmara and the Western Black Sea on Tuesday, Özdemir said, "Local rains will be seen. We are receiving strong northeasterly winds, and we will continue to do so. After the rain passes on Tuesday, air temperatures will be 3-4 degrees above seasonal norms. The felt temperatures in metropolises will be higher. Temperatures may be at 34-35 degrees, and there is a possibility that the felt temperature with humidity will reach 40 degrees, as it has in recent days."

Pointing out that felt temperatures are slightly higher in low-lying areas where traffic and skyscrapers are dense, Özdemir shared the information, "In metropolises, the lack of forests, dense buildings, the city's unplanned urbanization, as well as the high population and the high-level operation of air conditioners will increase the felt temperature. We will experience hotter weather in August than in July. We may experience hot weather for about 10 days along with the wind."

FOREST FIRE WARNING

Noting that they will remain under the influence of the hot air mass coming from Africa, Özdemir pointed out that heat waves have a greenhouse effect and spoke as follows:

"Forest fires are very important; forests are our lungs. They are our breathing spaces, but forests can inevitably ignite under the influence of hot weather. When it blows a little stronger, unfortunately, the spread occurs. Our public needs to be very sensitive about this. We strongly advise against lighting fires in forests."

Stating that the seas are also warm, Özdemir said, "When the wind starts to blow from the north, the humidity starts to increase, and it stifles the city and the people. Because the buildings in our cities are built haphazardly, high buildings, and adjacent layouts, this triggers a significant increase in temperature and humidity."

Giving warnings especially for the elderly, chronic patients, pregnant women, and children, Özdemir noted the following:

"One should not go out between 10:00 and 17:00. If one must go out, light-colored hats and clothes should be worn. Along with an umbrella, they should spend time in shaded places. They need to ventilate their homes naturally. Air conditioning is also uncomfortable because we trap cold air inside while hot air accumulates outside. If going to the seaside, it is essential to spend time in the shade. Sunstroke can occur."

Özdemir added that there will be no cooling down across the country, especially in Istanbul, in the near future, but there is also no major heat wave attack expected.

News Source: AA