Türkiye rang in the New Year on Thursday under a striking blanket of snow and freezing conditions, as a powerful cold front swept across the country and transformed winter landscapes from its bustling cities to mountain peaks.

From İstanbul’s historic streets and iconic skyline to the capital Ankara and eastern provinces, snow has blanketed vast swathes of the country, creating both scenic vistas and serious challenges for transportation and daily life. In many regions, thick layers of snow covered roads, vehicles and rooftops, prompting caution from authorities and delight from residents capturing the wintry scenes.

The same cold front that ushered in a pristine winter landscape also brought widespread disruption across Türkiye on New Year’s Day. In major cities and rural areas alike, temperatures plunged sharply, falling as much as 10 degrees Celsius below seasonal norms, prompting urgent weather alerts from the Turkish State Meteorological Service.

Officials reported that heavy snowfall and strong winds led to the cancellation of more than 100 domestic flights in and out of major airports, as airlines grappled with icy runways and poor visibility. At least 42 out of 81 provinces were placed under yellow weather hazard warnings, reflecting the severity of conditions expected to continue into the first days of 2026.

In response to the severe weather, several provincial authorities announced school closures and administrative leave on Dec. 31 to ensure the safety of students, public workers and vulnerable residents. Heavy snow and ice made travel hazardous in parts of central, northern and eastern Türkiye, with some local roads temporarily blocked or slowed by accumulation.

In Istanbul, the snowfall clung to neighborhoods across both the European and Asian sides of the city, transforming familiar urban scenes into serene winter landscapes. Municipal snowplow and road-treatment crews have been working around the clock to keep main roads passable while warning the public about slick conditions and the risk of hidden ice after dark.

While western regions saw intermittent snow, rain and fog, eastern provinces experienced some of the most intense snowfall, with deep accumulations affecting travel and daily life, particularly in higher elevations. In parts of eastern Anatolia, the weather has been harsh enough to isolate some rural settlements and bring temperatures down to extreme lows.

The snowfall has also created opportunities for winter recreation, as children and families ventured outdoors to sled and build snowmen, while photographers captured iconic Turkish landmarks under layers of snow. Despite the beauty, authorities urge caution, reminding residents that icy conditions may persist throughout the early days of the New Year.

As Türkiye embraces the New Year, the snow-shrouded landscape is both a reminder of winter’s power and a scenic backdrop for celebrations, even as officials and citizens alike navigate the challenges of an intense seasonal shift. (ILKHA)