Turkey faces extreme heat with temperatures up to 44°C and health warnings

Across several Turkish cities, summer heat has surged well above seasonal norms. Antalya recorded a felt temperature of 44 °C with humidity up to 46 % and sea water at 30 °C. In Kahramanmaraş, air reached 40 °C while asphalt heated to 160 °C. Mersin, Diyarbakır and other regions report similar sweltering conditions.

Health experts warn that the heat poses serious risks, especially for the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses. Prof. Dr. Caferi Tayyar Şaşmaz (Mersin University) advises avoiding outdoor exposure between 10:00 and 16:00, drinking roughly 2.5 L of water a day, wearing hats and loose cotton clothing, and preferring light meals such as yogurt, ayran, vegetables and fruit. Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen cautions that dehydration can thicken blood and increase the chance of brain hemorrhage, heart or kidney complications.

Municipalities have issued alerts, limited non‑essential outdoor work, and encouraged residents to seek shade, beaches or specially cooled "snow rooms" where indoor temperatures drop to –2 °C. Crowds have flocked to coastal promenades, parks and cooling centers to mitigate the heat.

Authorities stress early recognition of heat‑stroke symptoms and prompt medical attention for anyone showing signs of confusion, weakness or loss of balance.