Istanbul braces for thunderstorms as heatwave ends mid-week

Istanbul will experience a shift in weather patterns this week, moving from sunny and hot conditions to a forecast of local showers and thunderstorms. The Istanbul Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) released its weather prediction report for July 19, indicating that the megacity will remain under the influence of sunny and hot weather until Wednesday.

Temperatures are expected to peak around 33 degrees Celsius on Monday and 32 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, with partly cloudy skies. Winds from the northeast will blow at speeds of 15 to 35 kilometers per hour, but are not expected to significantly lower the perceived temperature. Humidity levels are predicted to range between 40% and 80%.

The weather is set to change starting Wednesday, with local showers anticipated. By Friday and Saturday, thunderstorms are forecast to affect the entire city. AKOM also noted that temperatures will decrease towards the weekend, with the highest temperatures expected to be around 28 degrees Celsius on both Friday and Saturday. The rainfall could be locally heavy, particularly on Friday and Saturday.