Turkey Braces for August Weekend Storms and Intense Heatwave in the Southeast

Turkey Braces for August Weekend Storms and Intense Heatwave in the Southeast

Weather Forecast for Turkey (August 2-3, 2025): Heatwave in Southeast, Storms in Central Regions, and Cooler Conditions in Northwest

Turkey is experiencing a significant weather pattern as August 2-3, 2025, approaches. The country is experiencing a heatwave in the southeast, storm activity disrupting central regions, and milder, cooler weather in the northwest.

Heatwave in the Southeast

Southern and eastern Turkey, including areas like Antalya and surrounding regions, are expected to experience significant heatwaves with daytime temperatures around 30–36°C (86–97°F) or higher, consistent with the broad pattern of anomalously warm, dry conditions across southern Europe and Turkey [1][5]. The hottest spots were Kurtalan (Siirt) and Silopi (Sirnak), both recording 45.4 degrees Celsius - the highest so far this summer.

Storm Activity in Central Regions

There are reports of severe storms disrupting travel in Turkey in early August 2025, particularly in central areas. These storms have caused weather disruptions and likely bring localized heavy rainfall and winds [4]. Localized thunderstorms are forecasted across a wide stretch of Turkey, including Eastern Marmara, Inner Aegean, Central Anatolia, Black Sea coastlines, and areas including Bolu, Kastamonu, Amasya, Sinop, and Tokat. Flash flooding is a risk in low-lying areas due to these storms.

Milder, Cooler Weather in the Northwest

The northwestern part of Turkey, including Istanbul, shows more moderate temperatures with partly cloudy skies and somewhat cooler conditions relative to the southeast heat. Temperatures in Istanbul at this time are reported around mid to high 20s °C (around 84°F) with fresh breezes, indicating relief from extreme heat [2].

Weather Conditions Across Turkey

• Ankara: Ongoing thunderstorms, afternoon downpours may be heavy, high of 33 degrees Celsius.
• Southerly winds will impact eastern Turkey.
• No rain forecast for the southeastern cities mentioned.
• These regions should expect short but intense storms, likely in the afternoon and early evening hours.
• Temperatures in central and northern provinces will begin to drop slightly.
• Izmir: Mostly sunny with slight cloud cover inland, chance of brief showers in hill areas, high of 35 degrees Celsius.
• Antalya & Adana: Hot and dry across most of the region, northern Adana could see brief isolated rain, highs between 31 and 34 degrees Celsius.
• Istanbul: Partly cloudy with localized showers expected on the Asian side, high of 30 degrees Celsius.
• Diyarbakir, Siirt, Mardin: Intense heat will continue, no rain forecast, highs up to 42-45 degrees Celsius.
• In southeastern cities such as Diyarbakir, Mardin, and Siirt, the heat is expected to persist through the weekend.
• No rainfall is expected in the southeastern cities mentioned, and health warnings for vulnerable groups remain in effect.
• Moderate to strong northerly winds (40-60 kilometers/hour) are expected in Marmara and North Aegean coastal areas.

In summary, August 2-3, 2025, Turkey is experiencing a heatwave affecting the southeast, storm activity disrupting central regions, and milder, cooler weather in the northwest, reflecting a typical spatial variation consistent with ECMWF forecasts for August 2025 across the region [1][2][4][5]. Southeastern Turkey will remain dangerously hot through the weekend.

NATO's Concerns Over Turkey's Weather ConditionsThe concerns among international political bodies like NATO have arisen as the weather patterns in Turkey, particularly its central and southeastern regions, might impact military operations due to the weather-related disruptions such as storms and heatwaves.

Impact on Tourism in IstanbulTourists visiting Istanbul during August 2-3, 2025, can expect milder, cooler weather with partly cloudy skies, despite occasional localized showers, which could provide a contrast to the extreme heat conditions in southeastern Turkey.

Weather in Ankara and Its political ImplicationsIn addition to the weather forecasts, it could be crucial to monitor the weather conditions in the Turkish capital, Ankara, due to its strategic significance. On August 2-3, 2025, Ankara is expected to experience ongoing thunderstorms and occasional heavy afternoon downpours, which might provide a challenging atmosphere for high-level political meetings or events happening during this time.

Read also: