Meteorology: 2026 Water Year Rainfall Breaks 66-Year Record

According to the 2026 Water Year 12-Month Cumulative Precipitation Report from the Meteorology General Directorate of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Turkey recorded an average of 741.6 kilograms of precipitation per square meter during the period 1 October 2025–30 September 2026. Data compiled by Anadolu Agency shows that this figure represents the highest level in 66 years.

The comparison is striking: Turkey's long-term water year normal stands at 573.4 kilograms per square meter, while the same period last year saw only 422.5 kilograms. The 2026 water year precipitation rose 76 percent compared to the previous year and 29 percent above the long-term average.

The regional breakdown is uneven. Areas around Hakkari, Van, Siirt, Şırnak, and Antalya recorded increases of more than 60 percent above their normal levels, while regions around Edirne, Bursa, Kastamonu, and Rize experienced decreases of up to 20 percent.

Regional records also stand out: the Mediterranean Region recorded its highest precipitation in 66 years, Eastern Anatolia in 38 years, Central Anatolia in 15 years, the Aegean Region in 11 years, and the Black Sea Region in 10 years.

The previous water year (2025) triggered drought alarms across many of Turkey's basins, with reservoir fill rates dropping to critical levels. This year's record rainfall has eased the drought pressure; however, water resources remain limited in the Marmara and Eastern Black Sea regions.