Istanbul braces for heavy rain and thunderstorms as meteorology issues yellow alerts
A moist air system entering Turkey from the Balkans has triggered strong thunderstorms, heavy rain and hail across the Marmara region, especially in Istanbul and surrounding provinces. The Meteorology General Directorate issued yellow alerts for Istanbul, Çanakkale, Edirne, Kırklareli and Tekirdağ, warning of localized intense rain between 12:00‑18:00, possible flash floods, water‑logging, lightning and strong winds. Temperatures in the Marmara area are expected to drop 4‑6 °C.
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) forecast rain beginning at 11:00 and lasting until 18:00, with precipitation rates of 10‑20 kg / m² in some districts. Authorities urged residents to stay cautious, avoid open areas during storms, and follow traffic advisories. Similar warnings were issued for parts of the Black Sea, Eastern Anatolia and the interior, while heat‑wave conditions persist in the southeast.