The dominant weather pattern across Europe this winter has featured storms tracking across the south from Italy into the Balkans before crossing the Black Sea with impacts in Turkey and neighboring areas.The first full week of 2015 will not be any different as yet another winter storm will move northeastward from Turkey and into southern Russia and Geor
The storm took shape from Monday into Tuesday. At the same time, cold air from northern Europe drained into the strengthening storm system causing snow to break out across western Turkey.
Much like other portions of the world, Turkey will experience two interesting meteorological phenomena that will contribute to heavy snow of 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) in the mountains and along the coast of the Black Sea.Strong north winds will cause winds to travel up the Pontic Mountains (which is called upslope flow) that will enhance snowfall rates along the north slopes.Not only will the upslope flow create heavy snow, these north winds will be traveling over the Black Sea and will pick up its moisture and deposit it in the vicinity of this sea. Immediate coastal regions will be a bit too warm to experience heavy snow, but higher elevations just inland will experience significant travel disruptions.Even far removed from the center of the storm, flow off the Black Sea resulted in snow showers around Istanbul where a fresh coating of white covered the city for a time on Tuesday.
Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, experienced gusty winds and snow squalls Monday night into Tuesday. Snow averaged 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) with locally higher amounts around the city. Additional snow is expected through Wednesday morning.
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Ankara, Turkey, Forecast
Istanbul, Turkey, ForecastWhile on the cold side of the storm the major issue will be heavy snow, heavy rain will fall to the south and east. Southeastern Turkey, Lebanon and Israel are some regions that will experience the mild and wet side of this storm.Heavy rain could lead to flooding problems from Tel Aviv northward through Beirut, Tripoli and Latakia. Rainfall amounts of 25-75 mm (1-3 inches) will be common through Wednesday.While much of the precipitation will fall as rain, colder air will rush into the region Tuesday night and Wednesday causing rain to mix with and change to snow in the higher elevations, mainly above 600 meters (2,000 feet).Yet another concern is blowing dust which will cause low visibility from parts of Egypt into Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Wind gusts of 50-65 kph (30-40 mph) will be common with isolated gusts to around 80 kph (50 mph). Wind gusts of this magnitude can result in blowing dust and dust storms that result in visibility in under 0.5 of a kilometer (0.3 of a mile) and causing dangerous travel.
Meteorologist Mark Paquette contributed to this story.