Türkiye recorded above-average rainfall in July, with precipitation increasing by 18 percent compared with the seasonal norm and 92 percent compared with the same month last year, according to official climate data.

According to the Turkish State Meteorological Service’s 2026 July Climate, Phenological Conditions and Irrigation Monitoring Statistics, Türkiye’s average temperature in July was measured at 25.3°C, while rainfall reached 18.4 millimeters.The lowest temperature was recorded in Kangal at 4.6°C, while the highest reached 46.8°C in Cizre.

Rainfall up 92 percent from last year

Average nationwide rainfall reached 18.4 millimeters in July, compared with the long-term July average of 15.6 millimeters. In July 2025, average rainfall had been only 9.6 millimeters.

Ardahan received the highest monthly rainfall with 115.8 millimeters, while Batman, Mardin, Siirt and Şanlıurfa recorded no rainfall during the month.

Regional records recorded

The report said Batman, Mardin, Siirt and Şanlıurfa experienced their driest July in 66 years. Diyarbakır recorded its lowest July rainfall in 22 years, while Şırnak saw its driest July in 16 years.

In contrast, Osmaniye registered its wettest July in 31 years.

For the 10-month water year covering October 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, Türkiye received an average of 693 millimeters of precipitation, well above the long-term average of 533.7 millimeters. Rainfall during the period was 30 percent above normal and 76 percent higher than the previous water year.

No widespread agricultural drought risk

The Meteorological Service said weather and agricultural conditions remained generally favorable across the country in July.

Higher rainfall increased soil moisture, supporting crop development, while irrigation reservoirs reached an average filling rate of 72.6 percent as of July 1.

The report noted that cereal harvesting had been largely completed across most regions, with harvesting continuing in some areas.

Officials said there is currently no widespread risk of agricultural drought, although localized water management challenges and fungal diseases linked to excessive rainfall continue to be monitored.

Water-year rainfall reaches multi-year highs

Cumulative rainfall during the current water year reached its highest level in decades across several regions, including the highest in 66 years in the Mediterranean Region, 38 years in Eastern Anatolia, 15 years in Central Anatolia, 11 years in the Aegean Region and 10 years in the Black Sea Region.

The Meteorological Service said that if current weather conditions continue, yields and production of cereals and other agricultural crops are expected to meet forecasts. (ILKHA)