Dust reduces visibility in western Iraq as temperatures rise nationwide

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Meteorological Organization and Seismology Department on Sunday issued a weather forecast predicting hot, stable conditions across the country, with rising temperatures and reduced visibility in the west due to dust.

“Hot conditions prevail across most cities during the day, with relatively mild weather in the early morning and evening,” the agency said. Temperatures are expected to rise by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius compared to the previous day, with southern regions experiencing the highest temperatures. Central and northern areas will see comparatively milder weather, especially during morning and evening hours.

Wind patterns are also expected to shift, the agency said. Most of the country will experience light to moderate northwesterly winds at 10 to 20 kilometers per hour, though western regions may see calm or variable conditions. These areas are likely to face moderate dust waves during the night, with winds expected to shift to southeasterly by evening in the western parts of the central region.

Visibility will generally range from 8 to 10 kilometers, but may drop to between 2 and 4 kilometers in the west due to airborne dust.