Cooler weather expected as temperatures stabilize around 40°C

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Meteorological Authority has announced an upcoming cooling trend, with temperatures expected to stabilize around 40 degrees Celsius starting Wednesday, particularly in the northern regions. This forecast is based on modern monitoring equipment and data from the World Meteorological Organization.

“Wednesday marks the first day of a cooling trend, especially in the northern areas, where temperatures will stabilize around 40 degrees Celsius,” said Amer al-Jabari, Director of Public Relations at the Meteorological Authority.

Al-Jabari emphasized that this forecast relies on scientific methods rather than traditional astronomical observations like the appearance of the “Suhail Star,” which some believe signals the end of summer. “Our predictions rely on meteorological data and climate modeling, in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization,” he added.

To monitor these changes, the Meteorological Authority uses tools including a radiosonde system that measures temperature, radiation, wind speed, and cloud formations. “Today, we launched a balloon equipped with the latest technology to measure the upper layers of the atmosphere, providing crucial data for air navigation,” Al-Jabari noted.

Historically, the “Suhail Star” has been significant for people in the Arabian Peninsula, marking the countdown to the end of summer when it appears on the southern horizon at dawn, usually around August 24. However, Iraq’s meteorologists now rely on more precise scientific instruments to forecast temperature changes.

Iraq is known for its scorching summer months, where temperatures often reach 45 to 50 degrees Celsius (113 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit), particularly in central and southern areas. These extreme conditions, often accompanied by dry, dusty winds, typically start in June and can last until September, making Iraq one of the hottest countries in the world during this season.