Istanbul is preparing for a significant drop in temperatures and expected snowfall starting Wednesday, as a Siberian cold wave approaches the city and much of Türkiye, according to warnings issued by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM).

Temperatures in Istanbul, which were around 7 degrees Celsius (44.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in the morning and reached 12 degrees Celsius (53.6 degrees Fahrenheit) by the afternoon on Monday, are forecast to plummet.  A sharp drop to 8 degrees Celsius (46.4 degrees Fahrenheit) is expected Monday evening, followed by a further decrease of 6–8 degrees Celsius by Tuesday night.

By midweek, temperatures will fall below seasonal averages, ranging between 1 and 3 degrees Celsius (33.8–37.4 degrees Fahrenheit).  Snowfall is predicted across numerous districts, with heavier accumulations in higher elevations.

The Meteorology 1st Regional Directorate has identified the following districts as likely to experience the heaviest snowfall and icy conditions: Arnavutkoy, Atasehir, Basaksehir, Beykoz, Beylikduzu, Catalca, Cekmekoy, Eyup, Esenyurt, Gaziosmanpasa, Kagithane, Sancaktepe, Sariyer, Sile, Silivri, Sisli, Sultangazi, and Umraniye.  Other districts can expect a mix of rain and snow.

Snow accumulation is forecast to range from 2 to 5 centimeters on Wednesday, increasing to 3–10 centimeters on Thursday, with northern and higher-altitude districts experiencing the most significant snowfall.

AKOM is urging residents to take precautions, particularly in areas susceptible to ice.  "The public should be ready for snowfall and slippery roads," officials stated, emphasizing the need for drivers to exercise extreme caution due to hazardous icy conditions.

Strong winds will accompany the cold front. Southwesterly winds will blow moderately during the day before shifting to a strong northeasterly (poyraz) wind by Tuesday evening. Wind speeds in the Marmara region could reach 40–70 kilometers per hour (25–43 mph), potentially disrupting transportation and daily life.

AKOM also provided an update on Istanbul’s water reserves, which currently stand at 52.8% capacity. The sea temperature is 11 degrees Celsius (51.8 degrees Fahrenheit).  While there are no immediate concerns about water supply, authorities advise residents to be prepared for possible disruptions caused by the extreme weather.

The Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued warnings that the cold wave will affect a wider area, bringing heavy rain to western and northern regions and snowfall to the interior and eastern parts of the country. Strong winds are also expected in the Marmara and Northern Aegean regions, with gusts potentially reaching 70 km/h (43 mph), posing a risk to transportation.  Avalanche risks have been identified in high-altitude areas of the Eastern Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia regions. (ILKHA)