Turkey records warmest January-August period since 1971

Data from the Turkish State Meteorological Service indicates that the first eight months of 2026 were among the warmest recorded in Turkey. The average temperature for the January-August period was 14.5 degrees Celsius, which is 0.4 degrees above the 1991-2020 norm. This marks the 14th warmest January-August period since 1971.

Seasonal analysis shows significant fluctuations: winter and summer temperatures exceeded long-term averages, while spring temperatures remained below normal. Specifically, the winter average was 5.8 degrees Celsius, 1.9 degrees above the 1991-2020 norm. The highest temperature recorded during this period was 46.8 degrees Celsius in Cizre on July 31, while the lowest was -33.1 degrees Celsius in Erzurum on January 3.

Out of 220 monitoring stations, eight set new monthly maximum temperature records and three set new monthly minimum records. Notable maximum temperature records included 28.6 degrees in Bartın and 24.7 degrees in Istanbul.