Basra to hit 50°C on Monday as heatwave scorches Iraq

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s meteorological authority said Sunday that temperatures in Basra are expected to reach 50 degrees Celsius on Monday, as intense heat continues across much of the country.

In a statement, the Iraqi Meteorological Organization said Monday’s weather would be “clear and hot,” with northwesterly winds ranging from light to moderate. Dust is expected in parts of the northern region, where wind activity will intensify.

Visibility is forecast between 8 to 10 kilometers in most areas, but could fall to 3 to 5 kilometers in dusty conditions. A slight dip in temperatures is expected compared to Sunday.

Forecasted high temperatures for Monday include:

• Baghdad, Karbala, Diyala and Najaf: 44°C
• Sulaymaniyah: 39°C
• Erbil: 40°C
• Nineveh and Kirkuk: 42°C
• Muthanna and Wasit: 47°C
• Basra: 50°C

The weather authority said Tuesday will bring continued clear skies and falling temperatures across most regions. Conditions are expected to remain stable through Wednesday, with steady temperatures in the center and south and a slight rise in the north.

By Thursday, temperatures are forecast to increase slightly nationwide, though the weather will remain clear.