Cold front from Balkans to bring snow, freezing temperatures across Turkey

ISTANBUL

Istanbulites are readying their umbrellas and coats for a new cold front, which will bring with it snowfall and freezing temperatures. DHA photo

A cold weather front from the Balkans has hit Turkey on Jan. 27, bringing snow as the mercury has dropped from almost spring-like thermometers to a seasonal norm.

Snowfall, which started sporadically falling in the Thracean provinces and Istanbul on Jan. 27, is expected to increase its intensity in the city during the night and spread to the other regions around the country on Jan. 28. 

Temperatures will drop between four and 10 degrees Celsius in average across the country, according to Turkey’s General Directorate of Meteorology.

The snow alarm has particularly been sound in southeastern Turkey, where heavy snowfall is expected from Jan. 28. 

Authorities have also warned about icy conditions of the road, which has caused two road accidents with a high death toll in less than a week. 

Meanwhile, stormy weather and strong winds that hit Turkey’s Western coast are expected to continue. 
Turkey had been experiencing a relatively warm month of January compared to the last years, with low precipitation that raised fear of drought and water shortage, particularly in Istanbul.