Türkiye’s Meteorological General Directorate has issued a 5-day weather forecast, warning of a sharp temperature drop and widespread rainfall set to sweep across the country starting Monday.

The new weather system will bring cloudy skies, showers, and thunderstorms to most regions, with Istanbul and other major cities in its path.

The forecast spares only Igdır, Van, and Hakkari, while the rest of Türkiye prepares for wet and unsettled conditions. In the interior parts of the Eastern Black Sea and northeastern Eastern Anatolia, rain could mix with snow. Meanwhile, the Thrace and Çanakkale regions are on alert for locally heavy downpours, and misty, foggy mornings are expected in Marmara, northern, and central areas.

Temperatures won’t shift dramatically overall, but some spots could see drops of up to 9 degrees Celsius (48.2°F). Winds will blow lightly to moderately from the south, though stronger gusts—reaching 40-60 km/h—are forecast for the Mediterranean interior, southern and eastern Central Anatolia, and Eastern Anatolia. Authorities have urged caution in these areas due to the risk of disruptions from both heavy rain and strong winds.

Provincial officials highlighted the incoming cold, rainy air mass, which will first hit the northwest on Monday, April 7. “Temperatures in the Trakya region could fall 5 to 9 degrees starting Monday,” the statement noted. “Heavy rain is expected in Istanbul, and by Tuesday, we may see snow mixed with rain in Istanbul, Kocaeli, Sakarya, and Yalova.” Residents are advised to stay prepared as the stormy weather rolls in. (ILKHA)