Climate of Province Iğdır

The climate of Igdir generally shows harsh continental characteristics. This climate type brings both high temperatures in summer and very cold weather conditions in winter. While the summer months are hot and dry, the winter months can be cold and snowy. The spring and fall seasons are usually short and the weather is milder during these transitional periods.

In summer, temperatures usually range between 30°C and 35°C, sometimes reaching as high as 40°C. These high temperatures are particularly common in July and August. In winter, temperatures often drop below zero and in January average temperatures can be around -5°C. At night, temperatures can drop even lower, down to -20°C. These severe cold temperatures, combined with snowfall, cause snow cover to remain on the ground for several weeks.

Winds generally blow from the north and west directions in Igdir. North winds bring cold waves in the winter months, while west winds are more effective in the spring and fall seasons. Wind speed varies from light to moderate on average throughout the year, but strong winds can also be experienced from time to time.

Humidity is generally low and this is especially noticeable in summer. Low humidity combined with high temperatures creates an arid feeling, which puts pressure on water resources. Annual rainfall is quite low. In general, the average annual rainfall varies between 200 mm and 400 mm. The most precipitation is usually seen in the spring months, while the summer months are quite dry.

These climatic conditions of Iğdır have significant impacts on daily life and agricultural activities. Hot and dry summers increase the need for irrigation, making water resource management important, especially in the Aras River valley where agriculture is possible. Cold and snowy winters increase the need for heating and can make transportation difficult during the winter months. However, these conditions also provide favorable conditions for winter sports as the snow cover remains for a long period of time. In particular, snowfall acts as a source of moisture for agricultural land, helping to make soils more fertile in spring.