Turkey marks 50.5C heat record in southeast

Record temperature details

The record was noted on Friday in Silopi, as stated in a post on X by the ministry. Alongside this remarkable reading, 132 weather stations across the country reported record temperatures for July.

Location of the record

Silopi, located in the province of Sirnak, is situated just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Turkey's borders with Iraq and Syria. This area has been particularly affected by the extreme heat.

Previous heat records

The previous highest temperature in Turkey was recorded at 49.5°C in August 2023. The current heatwave has intensified, impacting various regions throughout the country.

Ongoing challenges

Firefighters are currently battling multiple wildfires, with one in the northern Karabuk province posing significant challenges. This blaze has led to the evacuation of several villagers and has been ongoing for four days. Tragically, on Wednesday, ten individuals lost their lives while combating a fire in Eskisehir province.

Impacts of the heatwave

The ongoing heatwave is expected to extend for several more days, prompting local authorities to implement water consumption restrictions. This includes areas like the seaside resort of Cesme, located near Izmir on Turkey's west coast.

Regional context

Turkey is not alone in facing these extreme conditions; neighboring Greece is also experiencing a heatwave and is engaged in firefighting efforts across various regions.