The tornado that occurred in a construction site in Antalya's Kepez district revealed the painful consequences of this danger. 4 workers lost their lives and 1 worker was injured in the incident, which destroyed the containers where the workers were staying, caused the tower crane to topple and damaged the surrounding vehicles.
While the conditions that paved the way for the formation of tornadoes came to the fore again after the disaster, Dr. Lecturer Deniz Demirhan explained the curiosities, from sea water temperatures to air movements in the atmosphere, from the effect of El Nino to the rainfall expected in the coming days.
ALL BALANCES CHANGED WITH EL NINO
In the Mediterranean, sea water temperatures rising above seasonal norms and favorable conditions in the atmosphere are effective in the formation of tornadoes. Dr. Faculty Member Deniz Demirhan stated that for tornadoes to occur, a source of moisture, high sea water temperature and strong winds that change direction with altitude must come together, and said that these conditions exist in the Mediterranean.
Drawing attention to the importance of sea water temperature and humidity in the formation of a tornado, Demirhan said, "Certain conditions must be met for a tornado to form. First, there must be a source of moisture. For this, an environment close to the sea is required, as well as a hot water source that will provide humidity at ground level. Therefore, Mediterranean conditions provide this. Sea water temperature is already at its highest level in the Mediterranean."
Referring especially to the effect of El Niño on sea water temperatures, Deniz Demirhan stated that temperatures have increased excessively in the Aegean and Mediterranean. The expert said, "Due to El Niño, sea water temperatures in both the Aegean and the Mediterranean have increased excessively. Therefore, there is both a source of moisture in Antalya and sea water temperatures are very high. The ground level is also very hot. Therefore, there are suitable conditions for the air to rise upwards."
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN HOT AIR MEETS COLD AIR?
Pointing out the effect of the cold air at the upper levels of the atmosphere and the warm air at the ground level, Deniz Demirhan stated that the low pressure center at the upper levels supports the rising air movement.
Explaining that this situation creates a vacuum effect, Deniz Demirhan said, "There is a low center at the upper level. Since the air is extremely cold at the upper level and extremely hot at the ground level, an upward vacuum effect is created. Thanks to this vacuum, the hot and humid air on the ground has the chance to rise upwards. Thus, what we call convective movement occurs."
However, Demirhan emphasized that rising air movement alone is not sufficient for tornado formation and said that the wind's change of direction with altitude is also an important condition. Demirhan said, "For the tornado to form, there must be strong winds in that region, whose direction changes with altitude. This is also present in the Mediterranean. There is both an upward movement and the direction of the wind changes during this movement. In other words, the air both rises and changes direction as it rises. We call this wind drift."
HAVE THORES BECOME MORE FREQUENT WITH CLIMATE CHANGE?
Stating that such weather events are encountered more frequently with the climate change process, Deniz Demirhan said, "In today's conditions, especially after the climate change process, we have started to encounter such events very frequently. One of the most important reasons why these events are seen more frequently in the Mediterranean is the increase in sea water temperatures. Air temperatures are also much above average in the Mediterranean."
Drawing attention to the forecasts published by the World Meteorological Organization, Demirhan stated that there is a high probability that temperatures will be above seasonal norms in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions in the coming months and said, "In the latest reports of the World Meteorological Organization, the probability of temperatures being above average in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions in November, December and January is between 60 percent and 70 percent. This is a high rate."
THE DANGER IS NOT OVER IN ANTALYA, PAY ATTENTION TO THE NEXT THREE DAYS!
Deniz Demirhan stated that the risk of heavy rain and tornadoes continues in the region and drew particular attention to the Manavgat, Alanya and Anamur line:
"Very heavy rain is expected in Anamur, Manavgat, Alanya and Gazipaşa surroundings in Antalya. It is predicted that the rains, which may continue throughout Wednesday, will continue until Thursday morning. It is necessary to be careful in the line extending from Manavgat to Anamur. There is also the possibility of tornadoes forming in these regions."
THERE IS ALSO A RISK OF HORSES IN THE SOUTH AEGEAN
Deniz Demirhan stated that the areas at risk in terms of tornadoes and heavy downpours are not limited to Antalya, and similar conditions can also be seen in the Southern Aegean. Pointing out that especially those in holiday regions should follow the weather conditions closely, Demirhan said, "There is a risk not only in Antalya, but also in the Southern Aegean. It is necessary to be careful against the rains that may be effective in Marmaris and Fethiye as of this evening."
PAY ATTENTION TO THE SYMPTOMS THAT ARE HERALD OF THE HOSE!
Deniz Demirhan stated that the changes in the sky and the wind should be followed carefully against the risk of tornadoes and made the following warnings:
