The air temperature in the city of Şanlıurfa, in southeastern Turkey, reached 52 degrees Celsius today at noon, TRT Haber reported. Due to the extreme heat, many of the city's streets were deserted, and residents sought coolness in parks and green areas, BTA reports.
Local authorities responded by installing water spraying systems at public transport stops, in order to ease conditions for waiting passengers.
According to data from the Anadolu Agency, temperatures in 50 of Turkey's 81 districts exceeded 35°C even before noon. In other southeastern provinces such as Siirt and Sirnak, thermometers showed above 46°C.
Amid the heat wave and almost complete lack of rainfall in recent weeks, a water regime was introduced in the resort town of Cesme, in the western province of Izmir. It will be in effect every day from 23:00 to 06:00 local time.
According to local authorities, the Kutlu Atkaş Dam, the main water source for the city, is only 12% full. At this volume, water would last about 10 days if consumption was not restricted.