Istanbul braces for thunderstorms and temperature drop as cool front arrives

The Istanbul Governor’s office and the city’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AKOM) issued alerts that a cool, moist air mass moving from the Balkans will affect Istanbul starting on 22 July 2026. Intermittent showers and thunderstorms are expected from the afternoon in the western districts of Çatalca, Silivri, Arnavutköy and Büyükçekmece, expanding to the whole city by evening and continuing through 26 July. Wind from the north‑northeast may reach 30‑50 km/h, with gusts up to 60 km/h on Saturday.

Temperatures are forecast to fall sharply, dropping 8‑10 °C. Istanbul’s daily highs are expected to dip from the mid‑30s to around 24‑26 °C, with similar declines in Ankara and other regions. Rainfall totals are projected at 2‑7 kg per day early in the week, up to 10‑20 kg on Saturday. Authorities warned of flooding, strong gusts, lightning and possible localized hail, urging residents to stay alert and follow safety instructions.