Heatwave across Turkey continues as mercury rises

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

DHA photo

A heatwave continues to hit provinces across Turkey, as temperatures steer between five and nine degrees above seasonal averages, the Turkish State Meteorological Service said in a heatwave warning issued July 28. 

Almost all provinces in Turkey’s Marmara, southeastern Anatolia and central Anatolia regions are experiencing extreme heat this week.

Temperatures in provinces such as Edirne, Kırklareli, Balıkesir, Bursa and Kocaeli will also be above 40 degrees, said Ahmet Uçar, the Weather Forecasts Desk manager of the service.

“The hottest provinces in Turkey are the southeastern Şanlıurfa and Batman provinces with temperatures hitting around 44 degrees,” he said.

Istanbul’s 14 million residents are also sweltering in the hottest week of the summer, with temperatures hitting around 40 degrees Celsius with humidity.

“The highest temperature of this week will be 34 degrees in many districts of Istanbul. It will rise as high as 37 degrees in some districts of the city this week … but because of the high humidity rate, the temperature could be above 40 degrees in the city,” Uçar said.

Istanbul last experienced such heat 15 years ago when temperatures hit 41 degrees.

Both meteorology and health officials are advising people not to go out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. – times when sunshine is at its strongest.