Turkey endures extreme heat wave as temperatures soar to 40°C, sparking health alerts and infrastructure strain

Meteorological forecasts indicate that Turkey is experiencing a severe heat wave, with maximum temperatures reaching 40 °C in Şanlıurfa and 39 °C in Gaziantep, while Istanbul records 36 °C and feels up to 40 °C due to humidity. Antalya’s felt temperature hit 44 °C. The heat originates from a European “omega‑block” pattern that has already caused excess mortality in France, Spain and Italy, where ten heat‑related deaths were reported. European economists warn that repeated heat spikes pose a structural macro‑economic risk, especially for Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

In Turkey, authorities have issued public health warnings advising children, the elderly and people with chronic conditions to stay indoors during peak heat hours. Istanbul’s beaches and the Bosphorus shoreline became crowded as residents sought relief, while in Adana, visitors flocked to lavender fields for cooler outdoor respite. Infrastructure stress is evident: Edirne’s asphalt softened under 40 °C, prompting municipal crews to spread sand on roads, and fire‑risk advisories were issued for the Çanakkale, Edirne and coastal Aegean zones.

Experts emphasize the need for increased water consumption, avoidance of prolonged sun exposure, and caution against unnecessary water use, highlighting the compound challenges of health, tourism, and resource management brought by the heat wave.