African heat and the density of day trippers at Silivri Sandy Beach

The African heatwave, which has intensified in Istanbul, has brought congestion to Silivri's Kumluk Beach. With temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, day trippers flocked to the beach. There was no space left to walk on the beach, and the sheer volume of vehicles filled the surrounding parking lots to capacity. Hundreds of people, especially from Silivri's city center and surrounding districts, chose to spend the weekend at Kumluk Beach to cool off. However, the intensity has far exceeded both traffic and the parking lots around the beach.

Experts pointed out the hours between 11:00 and 16:00

According to warnings from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Disaster Affairs Department (AKOM) and the Meteorological Service, temperatures are expected to rise 6-12 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms, approaching 40 degrees Celsius. Experts have warned citizens to avoid going outside and direct sun exposure, particularly between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Despite these warnings, Kumluk Beach remains crowded during these hours.

Warning of the risk of forest fires

Experts also point out that the risk of forest fires is very high due to the low humidity and winds that increase with the heat. They urge caution around fire hazards like cigarette butts near the coast.

"There was not only no sun all night long, normal life continued"

Meanwhile, Özkan Kandemir, a shopkeeper near Kumluk Beach, said, "With temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius, there's no room left to park in the parking lots or on the roads along Silivri Beach. There's no room left on the beaches, let alone swimming in the sea. Starting at midnight last night, day trippers started arriving in droves. All night long, there was nothing but sun; normal life continued. People were playing football, swimming, running, strolling, and playing ball."

UAV

Reporter: News Center