Izmir braces for thunderstorms before cloudy weather returns

Turkey's western coastal province of Izmir is bracing for thunderstorms with heavy showers, after which cloudy skies are expected to return, according to Meteorology Directorate forecasts reported by two Turkish outlets, Ege'de Sonsöz and Ege Saati.

Thunderstorms today, then clearer skies

According to Ege'de Sonsöz, citing Turkey's 2nd Regional Meteorology Directorate, thunderstorms with heavy showers are expected across Izmir province today, October 1. In the city center, temperatures are forecast to range between 16°C and 25°C. Several districts — Aliağa, Çeşme, Çiğli, Foça, Güzelbahçe, Karaburun, Menemen, Narlıdere and Urla — are also expected to see windy conditions alongside the rain. Ege Saati, however, reports that a thunderstorm with showers already occurred on Wednesday, September 30 (16–27°C), while Thursday, October 1, is forecast to bring very cloudy — not stormy — weather (16–26°C). The two outlets therefore disagree on exactly which day brings the heaviest rain.

Both sources agree that cloudy or partly cloudy conditions will follow the rain. Per Ege'de Sonsöz, rain should largely end on Friday, October 2, giving way to partly cloudy skies, with center temperatures holding around 24–25°C. Ege Saati also expects very cloudy weather on Friday (15–26°C), followed by partly cloudy and slightly cooler conditions on Saturday, October 3 (14–25°C).

Hottest spot and lingering rain elsewhere

Ege'de Sonsöz reports that Tire district will see the province's highest temperature today, reaching 29°C, while most districts stay in the 23–26°C range. The same source notes that rain will persist longer in some areas — Beydağ and Kiraz are expected to see scattered showers through Saturday, while Beydağ, Kiraz, Ödemiş, Selçuk, Tire and Torbalı are all forecast to see renewed thunderstorms in the following days. Ege Saati is the only outlet to mention wind, noting gusts could reach up to 32 km/h at times.