Saturday 27 / April / 2024
Muscat: Snowfall in Turkey has prompted Turkish Airlines to cancel its two flights from Muscat to Istanbul, an official from airline said.
"Flights from Muscat to Turkey on January 7 and 8 are believed by cancelled as snow fall is expected Instanbul," the official said.
According to Accuweather.com disruptive snow and plunging temperatures will sweep across western and central Turkey, including Istanbul, through this weekend.
Istanbul could even be brought to a standstill into Saturday as wind gusts of 64-72 km/h (40-45 mph) create dangerous blizzard conditions with visibility near zero and significant blowing and drifting snow.
The wind-swept snow could halt ferry services and ground flights. Residents should prepare for weekend activities to be postponed or canceled.
"A similar scenario [with rain changing to snow and causing icy roads] could unfold in Ankara on Saturday evening, though snowfall will not be as heavy compared to Istanbul," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Adam Douty.
Arctic air plunged unusually far south across eastern Europe this week and will continue its rare journey into Turkey through the weekend.
The arctic blast will bring a significant drop in temperatures, causing rain to change to snow in all of the lower elevations of western and central Turkey. The exception will be along the immediate southern coast.
