Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) has warned of heavy rain and storms across Istanbul starting Sunday evening.

According to AKOM, the Marmara region will experience cool, rainy weather moving in from the Balkans.

Stormy conditions, lightning and locally heavy thunderstorms are expected as northerly winds, known as the poyraz, carry humid air from the Black Sea, while cold air remains at higher levels of the atmosphere and warmer air persists near the ground.

According to forecasts, intermittent rain throughout the day is expected to intensify from 7 p.m., with heavy showers particularly affecting the European side, areas around the Bosporus, northern districts and the Asian side.

Intermittent rain is expected to continue until 8 p.m. Wednesday, with total rainfall across Istanbul forecast to reach 30-60 kilograms per square meter.

Rainfall in northern districts including Catalca, Arnavutkoy, Eyupsultan, Sariyer, Beykoz, Cekmekoy and Sile could reach 60-100 kilograms per square meter and locally exceed 100 kilograms, AKOM warned.

Winds are expected to blow intermittently at storm strength from the north throughout the week, reaching speeds of 30-60 kilometers per hour.

Temperatures, currently around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), are forecast to fall to around 15 degrees by midweek amid the strong winds.

Measures taken ahead of rainfall

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) has increased precautions against possible disruptions caused by heavy rain and storms.

Drainage grates, stormwater inlets and streams were cleaned ahead of the rainfall.

On-call personnel have also been assigned outside regular working hours.

Rainwater pumps at underpasses below ground level, coastal squares and other critical areas considered at risk have been inspected.

Residents have been urged to remain cautious and take precautions against the risk of storms and flooding.