Intensifying rainfall in Istanbul has heightened the risk of flooding and transportation disruptions, according to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Disaster Coordination Center. The center has reported that showers, which began earlier in the morning, are expected to strengthen around 11 a.m. and continue until the afternoon, with conditions easing by 4 p.m.
Accompanying the downpour is a sharp drop in temperatures, with morning readings at about 14°C, which is below the seasonal average. Meteorologists attribute the inclement weather to the combination of cold air aloft and warm, moisture-laden air near the surface, predicting thunderstorms, lightning, and strong showers as a result.
The situation has prompted warnings from meteorological authorities about the potential for sudden flooding, strong winds, and lightning across Istanbul and several provinces in the Marmara and western Black Sea regions. These conditions could also lead to transport disruptions in the affected areas.
However, improvement is on the horizon, as weather conditions are expected to stabilize by Thursday. Temperatures are projected to rise to around 21°C, with no significant rainfall in the forecast, offering respite from the current adverse weather.