Historic low rainfall levels mark Istanbul's July, recording the city's driest month in over six decades.

Professor Hüseyin Toros, a climate scientist at Istanbul Technical University, has announced that July 2024 was the driest July in the last 65 years in Istanbul. The city's rainfall was 95% less than the long-term average, making it an exceptionally dry month.

The dry spell in Istanbul continued from June, and temperatures during the month were 2.5 degrees Celsius above the long-term average. The absence of rainfall in many areas of Turkey also continued, with several provinces, including Bilecik, Bursa, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Yalova, and Zonguldak, experiencing their lowest July rainfall in 65 years.

In Istanbul, the average July rainfall is 22.5 millimeters, but in 2024, the city received only 1.2 millimeters. This drastic decrease in rainfall is concerning, as it could worsen water shortages in the city.

Professor Toros emphasized the need for precautionary measures due to the absence of a stable rainfall pattern. He attributed the low rainfall in the Marmara Region, where Istanbul is located, to the region's exposure to high pressure.

Other cities in the Marmara Region, such as Balıkesir and Çanakkale, also reported their driest July in 18 years. However, specific rainfall amounts in these cities, as well as in other provinces mentioned earlier, were not provided by Professor Toros.

The prolonged dry spell could have significant implications for the reservoirs supplying Istanbul with water. Toros warned that dam levels in the city have been falling rapidly, with a 13% decline recorded over the past month.

In northern parts of Germany, a similar situation occurred in 2025, with some regions, like parts of the Ruhr area and the Zülpicher Börde, receiving only 30 to 60 liters per square meter. Despite the lack of clear data, it appears that these regions also experienced very little rain.

As the effects of climate change become more apparent, it is crucial for communities to take proactive steps to conserve water and prepare for potential water shortages. Professor Toros' findings serve as a stark reminder of the importance of these efforts.