African heat wave hits Turkey

ISTANBUL

A heat wave springing from North Africa has hit Turkey, bringing the average temperatures to the extreme levels.

“The temperatures will rise significantly across the country, floating well above the seasonal norms,” said a statement by the Turkish Meteorological Service on May 27.

“The temperatures are forecast to reach extremely high levels recorded in any month of May as of May 28,” it added.

The meteorology authority said that temperature across Turkey would rise 5 to 10 degrees Celsius because of a heat wave coming from the continent of Africa and affecting the country for the whole week.

The temperature is expected to hit 31 C in Istanbul on May 28 and decrease to 28 C on May 29.

Temperatures could rise to 34 C in the Turkish capital Ankara, 35 C in the Aegean province of İzmir and in the Central Anatolian province of Konya, 39 C in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa and 36 C in the eastern province of Malatya, according to the statement.

Officials urged locals to avoid staying outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; especially children, elderly and those with chronic illnesses should avoid direct exposure to sunlight, they said.