Yellow code warning for Istanbul and 3 provinces: Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen draws attention to disaster risk

The Meteorology General Directorate (MGM) issued critical warnings for four different points in Turkey by publishing the official weather report dated July 4, 2026. According to recent assessments; Istanbul, Kars, Kırklareli and Tekirdağ provinces have been marked with a yellow code due to adverse weather conditions. This coding is considered a harbinger of a potentially dangerous situation requiring citizens and relevant authorities to take precautions.

The severity of the situation in Istanbul was also emphasized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Disaster Coordination and Emergency Management Center (AKOM). In a statement from the center, it was stated that heavy showers expected throughout the city, as well as hail, could be effective. Such settled weather events are expected to negatively affect life and disrupt activities, especially in areas where urban transformation is intense.

CNN TÜRK Meteorology Consultant Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen, sharing his evaluations on the subject, conveyed important details about the course of the meteorological picture in Istanbul. Şen stated that a dense precipitation system would enter the city starting from the northern parts of Istanbul around 08:00-09:00 today. He noted that they predict this expected rain will not be just a simple rain but will be thunderstorm and showery in character, spreading over an area covering the entire city.

The most striking part of Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen's warnings was about the interaction of the existing temperature with the precipitation. Şen emphasized that the high temperatures continuing for a long time increased the energy in the atmosphere, and if a rain were to come suddenly over this heat wave, the nature of the event could change. Referring to a known meteorological rule, Şen stated that rain falling over very hot air gains a structure that can turn into a disaster locally due to its intensity, and they are concerned about this situation.

The meteorologist expressed his hope that this scenario does not happen, adding that in the light of all data, a long-lasting and heavy rain marathon lasting 10-12 hours is expected. Şen's striking warning led authorities to go on alert and increase precautions against possible disaster risks such as floods or flash floods. Citizens were also asked to be cautious against sudden floods in the ground loosened by the heat wave effect.