ISTANBUL Amid several regions of the country grappling with heavy snowfall and precipitation, Istanbul is unlikely to see the much-anticipated snow before the new year, despite the drastic drop in temperatures, according to an expert. “Snowfall is expected in Thrace today [on Nov. 27], particularly around Kırklareli, but it won’t extend into Istanbul. Due to the urban heat island effect, the city remains insulated from snow,” prominent meteorologist Orhan Şen explained, referring to a