Iraq weather authority forecsays soaring temperatures, dust storms expected through weekend

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s meteorological authority on Wednesday forecast soaring temperatures and dusty conditions in central and southern regions through the weekend, as hot summer weather intensifies across the country.

The Iraqi Meteorological Organization said Thursday’s weather would be “hot and clear” in central and southern governorates, and “partly cloudy to cloudy” in the north. Temperatures were expected to remain stable in northern areas but rise slightly in central and southern parts.

Projected highs for Thursday include 48°C in Karbala; 47°C in Diyala, Wasit, Maysan, Dhi Qar, Diwaniyah, Babylon and Muthanna; 46°C in Baghdad, Basra, Salah al-Din and Najaf; 44°C in Kirkuk; 43°C in Nineveh; and 41°C in Sulaymaniyah.

“Friday will be hot and clear throughout the country. Temperatures will rise overall,” the forecast said.

Conditions on Saturday are expected to remain hot and clear nationwide, with northwesterly winds picking up across the central and southern governorates, reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h and causing localized dust storms. Wind speeds earlier in the day are forecast between 10 and 20 km/h.

Temperatures on Saturday will hold steady in the north and south, with further increases in central areas. Visibility may drop to 2 to 4 kilometers during dusty periods, the authority warned, compared to normal horizontal visibility of 6 to 8 kilometers.

For Sunday, the forecast calls for clear skies with scattered clouds and similar temperatures.