WeatherFanatics: Turkey to Jordan Set for Rain, Snow and Wind

Monday, January 5, 2015

Turkey to Jordan Set for Rain, Snow and Wind

By Eric Leister, Meteorologist

January 5,2015; 8:30PM,EST

The dominant weather pattern across Europe this winter has featured storms tracking across the south from Italy into the Balkans before crossing the Black Sea with impacts in Turkey and neighboring areas.
The first full week of 2015 will not be any different as yet another winter storm will move northeastward from Turkey and into southern Russia and Georgia.
This storm will take shape over Turkey Monday. At the same time, cold air from northern Europe will drain into the strengthening storm system.

Much like other portions of the world, Turkey will experience two interesting meteorological phenomena that will contribute to heavy snow of 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) in the mountains and along the coast of the Black Sea.
Strong north winds will cause winds to travel up the Pontic Mountains (which is called upslope flow) that will enhance snowfall rates along the north slopes.
Not only will the upslope flow create heavy snow, these north winds will be traveling over the Black Sea and will pick up its moisture and deposit it in the vicinity of this sea. Immediate coastal regions will be a bit too warm to experience heavy snow, but higher elevations just inland will experience significant travel disruptions.

Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, looks to be especially hard hit. Blizzardlike conditions will be experienced during the peak of the storm Monday night and Tuesday with temperatures near -4C (25F), north winds gusting to near 50 km/h (about 30 mph). Without a doubt, travel will be severely impacted.
RELATED:
Turkey Satellite Page
Ankara, Turkey Forecast
Istanbul, Turkey Forecast
While on the cold side of the storm the major issue will be heavy snow, heavy rain will fall to the south and east. Southeastern Turkey, Lebanon and Israel are some regions that will experience the mild and wet side of this storm.
Heavy rain could lead to flooding problems from Tel Aviv northward through Beirut, Tripoli and Latakia. Rainfall amounts of 25-75 mm (1-3 inches) will be common through Wednesday.
While much of the precipitation will fall as rain, colder air will rush into the region Tuesday night and Wednesday causing rain to mix with and change to snow in the higher elevations, mainly above 600 meters (2,000 feet).
Meteorologist Mark Paquette contributed to this story.

On Social Media

Tweets for this article AccuWeather Updates