Turkey heat wave pushes Diyarbakır construction workers into 45 °C conditions

The Turkish State Meteorological Service warned on 3‑4 July 2026 that temperatures across the country would remain well above seasonal norms, with highs of 41 °C in Şanlıurfa, 40 °C in Diyarbakır and local thunderstorms expected in regions such as Thrace, the Black Sea interior and Eastern Anatolia.

In Diyarbakır, iron‑working construction crews reported indoor temperatures reaching 45‑50 °C while handling heated steel. Worker Mustafa Ceylan said the heat makes the metal feel scorching on his shoulders, and Behzat Bekir noted that gloves must be replaced every two days due to heat damage. Both described long shifts starting at 7 a.m. and ending around 4:30 p.m., with brief midday breaks, emphasizing the necessity of continuing work despite the extreme conditions.