State meteorologists expect a decrease in temperature of between 5 and 7 degrees Celsius this weekend and that the weather will remain colder than seasonal norms for some time to come. Intermittent rains have been forecast for the Marmara, Black Sea, inland Anatolia, Mediterranean and eastern and southeastern Anatolia regions of Turkey today. Showers are expected to gain in strength in the morning on the European side of İstanbul and in the late afternoon and evening throughout İstanbul, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Kırklareli and Tekirdağ. Particularly strong precipitation is forecast for the eastern Black Sea and easternmost southeastern Anatolia (Diyarbakır, Mardin, Batman and Siirt) as well as Şanlıurfa, Bingöl and Muş.
The State Meteorology Directorate issued a warning yesterday stating that heavy rainstorms could be expected throughout today in İstanbul and may continue through tomorrow. The rain should begin today around noon and pick up overnight. The rain will be accompanied by strong northern and northeastern winds tomorrow (40-60 kilometers per hour), causing strong but brief storms. Meteorology officials advise residents to be careful to avoid danger associated with the adverse weather, particularly remembering to remove or secure items that could fall from rooftops during the storm. In addition, amateur mariners and fishers are advised to exercise caution, while all are advised to avoid parking near the sea.
