Turkey Hits Record-Breaking 50.5°C Amid Sweltering Heatwave

Turkey recorded its highest-ever temperature on Friday, with meteorologists registering a scorching 50.5°C (122.9°F) in Silopi, a town in the southeastern province of Sirnak near the borders with Iraq and Syria. The reading, confirmed by Turkey’s environment ministry on Saturday, surpasses the previous national record of 49.5°C set in August 2023.

The ministry added that 132 weather stations across the country also registered record temperatures for the month of July, underscoring the scale of the extreme heat.

The punishing heatwave has fueled wildfires in multiple regions, putting additional strain on emergency services. Firefighters have been battling a blaze in northern Karabuk province for four consecutive days, forcing the evacuation of several villages. On Wednesday, 10 people died while fighting a separate fire in Eskisehir province.

Local authorities in some areas have begun imposing restrictions on water consumption to conserve supplies. Cesme, a popular seaside resort near Izmir on Turkey’s western coast, was among the communities announcing limits.

Meteorologists warn that the heatwave could persist for several more days, raising fears of additional fires and heat-related illnesses. Neighboring Greece is also grappling with extreme temperatures and battling multiple wildfires across its territory.

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Source: NDTV

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