Turkey issues widespread thunderstorm and flood warnings for June 18‑19

The Turkish State Meteorological Service warned of strong thunderstorms, heavy rain and possible hail across 19 provinces on June 18‑19, 2026, issuing a yellow‑code alert. Expected conditions include short‑duration intense rain, lightning, wind gusts up to 60 km/h and temperature drops of 3‑4 °C. Authorities highlighted risks of flash floods, landslides, water‑logging and transport disruptions.

The interior ministry echoed the alert, naming provinces in the Aegean, Mediterranean, Central Anatolia and interior Black Sea regions such as Afyonkarahisar, Ankara, Antalya, İzmir, Kars and Erzurum. Local officials, including the Eskişehir governor, warned citizens to avoid open areas, drive cautiously and follow updates.

City‑level forecasts reported thunderstorm activity in Eskişehir (June 17‑21), Aydın (June 18‑19) and Kayseri (June 18‑20), with temperatures ranging from the mid‑20s to low‑30s °C and humidity spikes. Meteorology and the Istanbul Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) projected 2‑5 mm of rain for Istanbul on June 19, reinforcing the nationwide advisory.