Iraq braces for extreme heat as summer temperatures climb

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s meteorological agency warned Sunday of continuing hot and dry weather across the country, with temperatures forecast to climb further in the south and light cloud cover expected in some areas.

“Hot to very hot summer weather is prevailing across all regions, with clear skies and some scattered clouds,” the General Authority for Meteorology and Seismology said in its daily report.

Temperatures are expected to reach 51 degrees Celsius (123.8 Fahrenheit) in Maysan on Monday, 50 C (122 F) in Basra and Dhi Qar, and 49 C (120.2 F) in Muthanna. In the north, Duhok is forecast to reach 37 C (98.6 F), while most central and northern regions will see steady conditions with no major change.

Winds will blow from the west to northwest at 20 to 30 kilometers per hour (12 to 19 mph), with stronger gusts possible in some northern areas by the afternoon, potentially triggering light dust storms. Wind speeds are expected to weaken in western and southwestern regions.

Visibility will range from 8 to 10 kilometers (5 to 6 miles) but may drop to between 5 and 7 kilometers (3 to 4 miles) in areas affected by dust, especially during peak heat hours.

The extended forecast through Thursday shows consistent clear skies, high temperatures, and mild wind activity. The authority also cautioned that visibility could decline in southern and central areas on Tuesday and Thursday due to dusty conditions.