Snowfall to begin in Istanbul this week as cold weather moves in from Balkans

Istanbul is preparing for a shift in weather as snow is expected to arrive this week.

Forecasts predict that a cold air mass from the Balkans will bring significant snowfall and much colder temperatures starting Jan. 7.

Meteorologists say the snowfall could continue for several days, marking the city's first substantial snow of 2025.

Istanbul first snowfall

The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet mosque) on a winter day with snow in Istanbul, Türkiye. (Adobe Stock Photo)

Balkan cold front to bring snow, lower temperatures to Istanbul in early January

The Meteorology Engineers Association Vice President Ahmet Kose confirmed that Istanbul will experience snowfall this week.

He explained, "We expect snow to begin on January 7 and continue intermittently until mid-February. Over this period, there will likely be about 15 days of snow."

Forecasts from the Turkish State Meteorological Service indicate that the cold front will drastically lower temperatures. The snow is expected to last until Jan. 11, creating wintry conditions across the city. This is a significant change from the unusually warm weather Istanbul saw earlier this year when temperatures reached as high as 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit).

Palandoken Ski Center Turkey

Palandoken Ski Center buzzes with activity as snow depth reaches 122 centimeters, drawing tourists for skiing and snowboarding, Erzurum, Türkiye, Dec. 3, 2024. (AA Photo)

Istanbul transitions from unseasonal warmth to winter weather with snowfall

The year started with warmer-than-average conditions in Türkiye.

• A warm air mass from Algeria caused temperatures to rise in many cities, including Istanbul, Izmir and Mugla
• Meteorologists noted that this week marks a clear turning point as the Balkan cold front arrives, bringing much colder air and triggering snowfall

Experts advise residents to prepare for disruptions due to icy roads and challenging weather conditions.

• Those living in higher elevations or commuting across the city should take precautions.

While the snow may cause inconvenience, it will also create the winter scenes many residents associate with the season.

Istanbul first snowfall

Cars and a motor courier move in traffic during snowfall in Istanbul, Turkiye on Nov. 23, 2024. (AA Photo)

How long will snowfall last in Istanbul?

Meteorological data suggests that the snowfall could continue beyond this week, with more snow expected later in January and into February.

Kose emphasized the extended nature of the winter weather, saying, "This year, we anticipate 15 days of snowfall between January and February."

A view of the snow-covered landscape during the winter season in the rural areas of Van, Turkiye on January 07, 2025. Winter brings immense challenges to the residents of Caldiran and Ozalp, as freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall grip the region in Van. ( Özkan Bilgin - Anadolu Agency )

Istanbul residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather alerts and plan their activities accordingly as Istanbul prepares for its first snow of 2025. For the latest information, consult local meteorological services.