Istanbul braces for extreme heat as meteorologists expect week-long heatwave in region

The Turkish metropolis Istanbul and the southwestern province of Muğla braced for scorching heat as meteorologists warned against a heatwave expected in the Marmara and Aegean regions of the country as of Tuesday.

The meteorological institution of the country cited forecasts indicating that temperatures in the western and northwestern regions are expected to soar above the seasonal norms by 5 to 10°C.

Marmara branch of the General Directorate of Meteorological Service noted the extreme heat conditions would be effective from June 11 to 16, and the mercury levels in Istanbul would reach 32 to 36°C during the 5-day period.

Separately, the local Aegean branch of the meteorological service said a heatwave with temperatures up to 30 to 40°C is expected to grip the southwestern province of Muğla in the upcoming days.

The meteorologists warned the scorching heat might cause heat stroke, especially in people with chronic diseases and the elderly, and advised citizens to avoid exposure during the heat of the day.

Due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, climate crisis plays a role exacerbating extreme weather events including heatwaves, thus claiming hundreds of thousands of lives over the years.

Scientists point out that climate change increases not only the likelihood of heatwaves but their frequency and severity as well.