
On 15 July 2025, Turkey faced an extraordinary heatwave that shattered temperature records and pushed the country into one of its most intense and prolonged periods of heat ever recorded. The city of Kiziltepe registered a blistering 48.5°C, marking an extreme peak in this relentless heatwave.
Adding to the severity, nighttime temperatures remained dangerously high, with minimums reaching up to 34°C, providing little relief from the scorching daytime heat. These sustained hot nights exacerbate health risks and strain energy resources as cooling demands soar.
This event is part of the longest and harshest heatwave in Turkey’s history, showing no signs of immediate relief. While temperatures are expected to slow down slightly, daily highs are projected to remain near 45°C for the foreseeable future, continuing to challenge public health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The ongoing heatwave underscores the urgent need for enhanced heat mitigation and adaptation strategies across the region to protect vulnerable populations and maintain resilience against future extreme weather events intensified by climate change.

Illustration picture. Source: https://www.expedia.com/Kiziltepe.dx6323648