[70760] Severe weather warnings in Turkey: Heavy rains and traffic disruptions expected for the weekend

Turkey prepares for an exceptionally rainy weekend

Meteorological authorities in Turkey are issuing unusual alerts ahead of the weekend (May 22, 2026), as heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected to hit most parts of the country. According to a report in Haber Gündem, this is a weather system that will affect major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, with a forecast for temperatures to drop below the seasonal average.

In TGRT HABER, it is noted that the meteorological office has declared an alert in several provinces, while warning of a sharp drop in temperatures. Meteorological expert Adil Tek, in an interview with A Haber, emphasized that the country has experienced "a very high amount of precipitation compared to the last 30 years" in recent months, and noted that the rains will intensify during the afternoon hours today. However, Tek reassures that "after the holiday, temperatures will rise back to the seasonal average."

Consequences are already being felt on the ground. According to Sondakika Haber Gündem, in the Dörtyol region of Hatay province, water accumulation and mudslides from the slopes have forced authorities to impose close monitoring on traffic on the Toprakkale-İskenderun highway.

GündemX and İLKHA summarized the general situation, with the latter pointing to extensive coverage of the impact of the rain waves on various regions in Turkey. Residents in the alert zones are urged to remain vigilant due to the potential for flooding and a sudden drop in temperatures.