[60873] Updates from Turkey: Economic volatility and stormy weather in the news focus

The economic situation: Inflation and concerns in the markets

The Turkish economy is facing significant challenges after the Central Bank of Turkey updated its inflation forecast for the end of 2026 from 16% to 24%, as reported in Haber X. Following this update, analysts at Borsa Haber 🔔 estimate that "there is no room left for interest rate cuts in the second half of the year" according to Borsa Haber. At the same time, the precious metals market is experiencing declines, with gold prices dropping to their lowest level in the last week and a half, which TGRT HABER defines as a "sharp retreat" as per their report.

Extreme weather and disruptions in Turkey

In parallel with the economic situation, Turkey experienced an especially stormy day on May 15. Sputnik Türkiye reported on unusual natural phenomena, including a "tornado that developed in the Kizilirmak district" in Çankırı and heavy hail storms in Kayseri. At the same time, flooding was reported in the Zile district of Tokat.

Water reservoir status and future alerts

Data from the General Directorate of Meteorology indicate ongoing instability, with "yellow code" alerts for 11 different cities according to TGRT HABER. Conversely, in some regions such as Van, Hakkari, and Muş, record filling levels in water reservoirs were recorded due to winter and spring precipitation, which forced authorities to begin "controlled water discharge" as reported by Sondakika Haber Gündem. As of May 15, filling rates in major cities stand at 71.73% in Istanbul, 45.27% in Ankara, and 49.19% in Izmir according to GündemX.