Basra hits 51°C as brutal heat grips Iraq

BAGHDAD — Temperatures soared across Iraq on Monday, with Basra recording a scorching 51°C as the country remained in the grip of an unrelenting summer heat wave.

The Iraqi General Meteorological Organization attributed the extreme heat to a persistent surface thermal low pressure system affecting much of the central and southern regions. The hottest areas included Basra at 51°C, Maysan at 50°C, and 49°C in Najaf, Dhi Qar, Wasit, and Muthanna. Baghdad, Diyala, Kirkuk, and Diwaniyah each saw highs of 48°C.

In the Kurdistan Region, temperatures reached 46°C in Erbil, 43°C in Sulaymaniyah, and 42°C in Duhok. The report noted that readings were consistent with those recorded Sunday, though a slight dip was observed in some northern locations.

Scattered clouds were forecast across various parts of the country, with a chance of light rain in the mountainous areas of Duhok. No significant precipitation was expected elsewhere.

Winds were mostly northwesterly, ranging from 10 to 20 km/h, with stronger gusts in Nineveh, Anbar, and the southwestern deserts, contributing to light to moderate dust storms. Southeastern breezes brought calmer conditions to Iraq’s eastern governorates.

Visibility was generally between 8 and 10 kilometers, but dropped to 3 to 5 kilometers in dusty and desert regions, particularly in western Iraq.

Forecasters said the heat wave will continue through at least Friday, with daytime temperatures remaining high and shifting winds expected to stir up dust and further reduce visibility in some areas.