Analysis of the severe southerly winds affecting the Marmara region of Turkey and a case study for December 20, 2009

The study aims to understand the reasons for southerly wind storms affecting the Marmara region of Turkey for 2000–2010 and to present their patterns related to synoptic weather systems. In this study, a day with the wind speed exceeding 15.5 m/s and observed at least 1 h at any station in the region is called a “stormy day.” The number of wind storms was examined based on their annual and monthly distribution and frequencies. It was also found that about 99% of the southern wind storms over the Marmara region of Turkey are related to the frontal systems such as passing or approaching the fronts and sector approaches. The wind storms have occurred with 56.3%, 27.6%, and 16.1% in winter, spring, and fall, respectively. No strong wind storms were detected in the summer months. Based on the conclusions, the presence of the low-pressure center in the Adriatic Sea and Italy and the presence of a high-pressure center in southeastern Turkey, Iraq, and Iran have been obtained. A case study was also carried out for December 20, 2009, which had a severe southerly storm.