Turkey heatwave to hit 37‑41°C with scattered thunderstorms this week

The Turkish Meteorology General Directorate forecast a heat wave across the country from 15‑21 June. Temperatures are expected to climb above 30 °C in central and southern regions, with the southeast reaching 37‑39 °C in Diyarbakır, Batman and Şanlıurfa and even 41 °C in Şanlıurfa according to later reports. Authorities warned people with chronic illnesses and the elderly to avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight.

Despite the soaring heat, the north‑eastern Black Sea and eastern Anatolia areas will see occasional thunder‑laden showers early in the week, while a cooler, humid air mass from the Balkans is predicted to move in on Thursday, bringing thunderstorms to Marmara, Central Anatolia and the western Black Sea. The cooler front may also lower Ankara’s temperature to around 24 °C by the weekend. Meteorological experts advised citizens to prepare for possible local flooding, hail and short‑lived storms, especially in the western and interior provinces.

Overall, the weather service urged the public to stay alert to rapid changes, heed heat‑related health risks, and take precautions against sudden rain and wind events.