Iraq’s weather service warns of soaring heatwave as temperatures near 50°C

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Meteorological Organization on Saturday warned of an intensifying heatwave across the country, with temperatures expected to hit 50°C in several central and southern cities due to a deepening surface thermal low-pressure system.

The agency said the extreme heat would be especially severe in Basra, Nasiriyah, and Diwaniyah. Conditions will remain similar to Friday in most regions, though slightly cooler temperatures are forecast for the north.

Winds from the west and northwest are expected to reach speeds of 20 to 30 kilometers per hour, stirring dust in parts of the central and southern governorates, particularly in Nineveh. The agency noted that visibility in affected areas may drop to between 4 and 6 kilometers, compared to the typical 8 to 10.

Maximum wind speeds could reach 25 kilometers per hour, while humidity is expected to fall below 20% in much of the central and southern regions.

Authorities urged the public to limit exposure to direct sunlight and airborne dust, especially during peak afternoon hours.