Two bouts of rain, falling temperatures, dust storms ahead

BAGHDAD — The Meteorological Authority announced Wednesday that Iraq is in for two bouts of rain, along with a drop in temperatures and intermittent dust storms over the coming days.

Thursday’s forecast calls for mainly clear to partly cloudy skies across the country, though eastern parts of northern and southern regions are expected to see increased cloud cover. In those areas, light showers are forecast alongside gusty winds that may stir up dust. Recent high temperatures will fall across Iraq, with forecasts of 26°C in Baghdad, 27°C in Najaf, Babylon, and Diwaniyah; 19°C in Duhok; 17°C in Sulaymaniyah; and 29°C in Wasit, Muthanna, and Basra. Visibility is expected to hover between 6 and 8 kilometers.

On Friday, the skies should remain mostly clear nationwide, but the northern regions could experience a buildup of clouds and scattered light rain, particularly in the mountainous areas. Eastern parts of the southern region might also see brief showers. Temperatures are set to dip a few degrees countrywide, with visibility generally between 8 and 10 kilometers, though rain-prone areas might see it drop to 5–7 kilometers.

Saturday is projected to bring a return to mostly clear conditions, with some lingering clouds. Scattered thunderstorms may develop in the northern mountains and in eastern sections of the south. While temperatures are expected to remain steady in the central and northern parts of Iraq, a slight drop is anticipated in the south, with visibility averaging 6–8 kilometers.