Weather Alert for Turkey: Thunderstorms and Strong Winds Expected in Several Regions

Istanbul, Bodrum, Fethiye and Alanya Weather on August 16

Turkey will see a mix of sunshine, clouds, thunderstorms and strong winds on Sunday, August 16, according to the latest forecast from the Turkish State Meteorological Service.

Temperatures are generally expected to remain around seasonal averages, but several parts of the country are likely to experience locally heavy showers and thunderstorms.

For visitors and residents, the weather will vary considerably from one region to another. While Istanbul is expected to remain mostly dry, some popular holiday destinations along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts may see afternoon or evening thunderstorms.

Istanbul: Mostly Dry and Partly Cloudy

Istanbul is expected to have partly cloudy and partly sunny skies on August 16, with a high of around 29°C.

No significant rainfall is forecast for the city.

Winds will be more noticeable in parts of the Marmara region, particularly toward the southeast, where northerly and northeasterly winds may reach 40 to 60 km/h.

For people spending the day in Istanbul, the overall weather should therefore be relatively suitable for outdoor activities, although it may feel quite windy at times.

Bodrum: Mostly Sunny

Bodrum is not among the areas expected to receive significant rainfall today.

The Aegean region will generally have partly cloudy skies, with showers and thunderstorms mainly affecting inland and southern parts of the region.

Bodrum and much of the surrounding coastal area are expected to remain relatively dry, although strong northerly and northeasterly winds are forecast across the northern Aegean.

This means that conditions along the coast may be noticeably windy even where there is no rain.

Fethiye: Chance of Local Thunderstorms

Fethiye is located in the southern part of the Aegean region, where local showers and thunderstorms are possible.

The wider Muğla area is forecast to be partly to very cloudy, with locally heavy showers and thunderstorms particularly around midday.

Fethiye itself may therefore experience a changeable day, with sunny or partly cloudy periods interrupted by local showers.

Anyone planning boat trips, swimming or other outdoor activities should keep an eye on local weather conditions, as thunderstorms can develop quite quickly in summer.

Alanya: Local Showers and Thunderstorms

The Mediterranean region is expected to be partly to very cloudy on Sunday, with locally occurring showers and thunderstorms across the region.

Alanya, like other parts of the Antalya coast, may see local showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening.

Antalya is forecast to reach around 34°C.

The forecast is therefore typical of the occasionally unstable summer weather seen along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast: hot temperatures combined with the possibility of short-lived but intense thunderstorms.

Where Is Heavy Rain Expected?

The strongest rainfall is expected in parts of eastern Turkey.

Heavy showers are possible in the Toros Mountains of the eastern Mediterranean, parts of the eastern Black Sea region, Erzincan, Erzurum, Kars and Ardahan, as well as the eastern parts of Niğde, Kayseri and Sivas.

The eastern Black Sea provinces are among the areas requiring particular attention, with locally heavy thunderstorms expected.

Eleven provinces have been placed under a yellow weather warning: Artvin, Erzincan, Erzurum, Giresun, Gümüşhane, Kars, Rize, Trabzon, Bayburt, Ardahan and Sivas.

Strong Winds in Parts of Turkey

Strong winds are another important feature of today’s forecast.

Winds of 40 to 60 km/h are expected in southeastern parts of the Marmara region and the northern Aegean, generally from northerly and northeasterly directions.

Strong southwesterly winds are also expected in southeastern parts of Eastern Anatolia.

These conditions could affect road travel, maritime activities and other outdoor plans, particularly in exposed areas.

Weather Across Turkey

The Black Sea region will generally be cloudy, with local showers and thunderstorms expected in many areas. The eastern Black Sea is likely to receive the heaviest rainfall.

Central Anatolia will also experience partly to very cloudy conditions, with local thunderstorms possible around Eskişehir, Çankırı, Niğde, Kayseri and Sivas.

Eastern Anatolia will be more unsettled, particularly in the north and west. Erzurum, Kars, Erzincan and Ardahan may receive locally heavy thunderstorms.

In contrast, much of southeastern Turkey will remain dry and sunny. Temperatures will be higher here, with Diyarbakır expected to reach 37°C and Şanlıurfa around 36°C.

What Does This Mean for Visitors?

The main message from today’s forecast is that Turkey’s weather will be far from uniform.

Istanbul should remain mostly dry, while Bodrum is expected to enjoy relatively settled coastal weather. Fethiye and Alanya have a greater possibility of local afternoon or evening thunderstorms, while parts of eastern and northeastern Turkey face a more significant risk of heavy rain.

As always with summer thunderstorms, conditions can change quickly over relatively small areas. Checking the latest local forecast is advisable before setting out, particularly for boat trips, mountain excursions and other weather-sensitive activities.