Tunceli is located in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey and has a continental climate. This climate type is characterized by seasonal and daily temperature differences, hot and dry summers and cold and snowy winters. The spring and fall seasons are usually short and these transitional periods can witness rapid weather changes.
In the summer months, temperatures usually reach around 30°C, although on some days they can rise even higher. In winter, temperatures drop below zero and snowfall is quite common. Tunceli's high altitude causes the winter season to be harsher. In the city center, snow can stay on the ground for several months. This may cause some difficulties especially in terms of transportation and disruptions in daily life.
Winds are felt throughout the year in Tunceli and usually blow from the north. These northerly winds increase the effect of cold air, especially in winter, and lower the temperature even more. Winds blowing in spring and fall can lead to rapid weather changes, which are manifested by sudden temperature drops and increased precipitation.
Humidity is generally low throughout the year. The further decrease in humidity in the summer months helps to make the hot weather more bearable, while low humidity in winter makes the cold feel sharper. Rainfall in Tunceli is mostly observed in spring and fall. Precipitation falls in the form of snow in the winter months, while there is almost no precipitation in the summer. This can sometimes create problems in terms of water resources and put pressure on agricultural activities.
Tunceli's climate directly affects life in the region. Heavy snowfall and cold weather in winter increase the need for heating and make transportation difficult, while high temperatures and low humidity in summer can pose health risks, especially for the elderly and people with chronic diseases. Furthermore, seasonal temperature variations and low rainfall in summer pose significant challenges for water resources management and agriculture. These climatic characteristics are some of the key elements that shape life in Tunceli.