World Bulletin / News Desk

US climate change researchers have claimed that recent freak mini-tornadoes that have recently been hitting Turkey's Istanbul may be a consequence of the city’s rapid urbanization.

Researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Center for Weather and Climate Prediction told Turkey's daily Hurriyet newspaper

Meteorologist Dr. Martin Hoerling, blaming climate change, said that there was “no doubt” that freak weather phenomena will increase in Turkey, as temperatures in Turkey are due to rise by “5-10 percent from 2046 to 2065.”

According to the report in Hurriyet, the use of fossil fuels and deforestation, which lead to an increase in the humidity in the air over Istanbul, are also likely to increase tornadoes whenever a cold front hits.