Istanbul faces severe storms and heavy rainfall warnings

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) has issued warnings for severe weather across Istanbul, driven by a cold air mass from the Balkans and a rainy system from the Central Mediterranean.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to intensify starting late Monday night. By Wednesday morning, the city is forecasted to experience powerful storms with wind speeds reaching between 50 and 80 kilometers per hour.

Significant precipitation is anticipated in several districts. On Thursday, 13 districts—including Çatalca, Arnavutköy, Eyüpsultan, Sarıyer, Başakşehir, Esenyurt, Büyükçekmece, Maltepe, Kartal, Sultanbeyli, Pendik, Tuzla, and Şile—could see between 40 and 70 kilograms of rain per square meter.

In addition to the weather alerts, the combination of rain and evening rush hour has caused severe traffic congestion in Istanbul, with density levels reported to have exceeded 80 percent on major arteries and bridges.