Eleven Iraqi cities approach 50°C as extreme heat persists

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s meteorological authority on Wednesday said a persistent surface thermal low will continue to drive hot to extremely hot conditions across the country, especially in central and southern regions.

In its daily bulletin, the General Authority for Meteorology and Seismology forecast scattered cloud cover throughout the day, with denser formations expected in northern and eastern areas. Light rainfall is possible in some locations, the report added.

Temperatures are expected to remain largely consistent with Tuesday’s readings, though a slight increase is anticipated in central and southern governorates.

Winds will be predominantly northwesterly at speeds of 10 to 20 km/h, with occasional gusts potentially causing localized dust and variability in direction and intensity.

Horizontal visibility will generally range from 8 to 10 kilometers but may drop to between 4 and 6 kilometers in western regions due to dust, the authority said.