Turkey is facing its worst drought in more than half a century, with rainfall dropping 27 percent below the 30-year average, according to the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM).
From October 2024 to August 2025, precipitation averaged 401.1 mm, compared to 548.5 mm in previous decades. Southeastern Anatolia saw rainfall fall by over 60 percent, while reservoirs in the west dropped to just three percent of normal levels.
The country also endured record heat, with July the hottest in 55 years and Silopi hitting 50.5°C. Adana recorded its hottest day in 95 years at 47.5°C, worsening wildfires and water shortages.
The drought has devastated agriculture, threatening exports like apricots, figs, and hazelnuts. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan estimated farm losses at 23 billion lira ($557 million) and promised aid for uninsured farmers.
Experts warn that 88 percent of Turkey faces desertification risk, with rainfall projected to drop by a third and temperatures rising by up to 6°C by the century’s end.
