Snowfall continues to affect parts of Istanbul, Türkiye, as a tram travels through the snow-covered street, on the first day of the new year on Jan 1, 2026. (AA Photo)
January 06, 2026 01:13 PM GMT+03:00
A new cold air surge could move in over Türkiye between Jan. 12 and Jan. 17, bringing a marked drop in temperatures and raising the chance of snowfall across large parts of the country, according to meteorology expert Guven Ozdemir.
While snow has already been felt more strongly in the Black Sea region, Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia, he warned that another system is likely to line up in mid-month and could bring Istanbul back into the snowy picture, even if the event does not shape up as an exceptionally intense one.
People spend time outside as snowfall continues in Karakoy district of Istanbul, Türkiye, Jan. 1, 2026. (AA Photo)
What has been happening across the country so far
Snowfall has been more noticeable in northern and inland areas, particularly along the Black Sea coast and across Central, Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia. In many western and interior provinces, however, the recent snow cover has largely melted, including in Istanbul, even though precipitation has continued in places.
For international readers, the Black Sea region refers to Türkiye’s northern coastal belt, while Anatolia broadly describes the Asian part of the country, often divided in forecasts into Central, Eastern and Southeastern sections based on geography and climate patterns.
Mid-January system could bring a clear temperature drop
Ozdemir, speaking in remarks reported by Hurriyet via journalist Ismail Sari, linked his warning to signals that another cold air mass may set up over the region. He pointed to Jan. 12-17 as the window when temperatures could fall noticeably nationwide, with winter conditions expected to make themselves felt.
He also indicated that the system could affect most of Türkiye outside the Mediterranean coastal strip, suggesting that areas away from the coast may cool down more sharply and could see snow develop as conditions line up.
People spend time outside as snowfall continues in Karakoy district of Istanbul, Türkiye, Jan. 1, 2026. (AA Photo)
Istanbul and Marmara may see snow again, but not as a major event
Ozdemir also flagged a renewed snow chance for the Marmara region, which includes Istanbul, while playing down the likelihood of a very powerful storm. In his words: “Istanbul’un karla bulusmasini bekliyoruz.”
At the same time, he emphasized that the expected snowfall should not be read as an unusually strong system or one far above seasonal norms, even if it could still lay down a fresh white cover in parts of the city.
Another cold spell is mentioned for February, but details remain early
Looking beyond mid-January, Ozdemir said it is still too soon to speak firmly about February. However, based on the available data he cited, he noted there may be another cold air system around early to mid-February.
He also described a broader seasonal shift, arguing that January has increasingly turned into a transition month more like December, while heavier snow episodes are being seen more often in February, with winter patterns appearing to drift later by roughly a few weeks, and in some cases approaching about a month.
January 06, 2026 01:13 PM GMT+03:00