Daijiworld Media Network - Ankara
Ankara, Jul 27: Turkey has recorded its highest-ever temperature, with the mercury hitting a scorching 50.5°C in Silopi, Sirnak province, the environment ministry announced on Saturday. The record-breaking heat was logged on Friday, as the country remains gripped by an intense heatwave.
Silopi, located just 10 km from the Iraqi and Syrian borders, smashed the previous national high of 49.5°C, set in August 2023. The ministry noted that 132 weather stations across the country also reported record-high temperatures for the month of July.
The extreme heat has sparked wildfires in multiple regions, straining emergency services. Firefighters have been battling a major blaze in Karabuk province for the past four days, forcing the evacuation of several villages. Tragedy struck on Wednesday when 10 individuals lost their lives while fighting flames in Eskisehir province.
Authorities in some parts of the country, including the popular seaside resort town of Cesme near Izmir, have imposed restrictions on water usage due to the worsening conditions.
Neighbouring Greece is also experiencing similar challenges, with wildfires and heatwave warnings affecting large parts of the country.