A view of downtown Samawah in Al-Muthanna Governorate, showing the city’s bridge over the Euphrates River and surrounding neighborhoods under clear skies.
Measures to cover August
Al-Muthanna shortens official working hours due to extreme heat
AL-MUTHANNA — Government offices in Al-Muthanna Governorate will operate on reduced hours beginning Monday, Aug. 5, in response to soaring summer temperatures, according to an order issued by Gov. Muhannad Abdul Ali Radi.
Under the directive, official working hours will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Aug. 31. The decision was made in accordance with Law No. 12 of 2008, which governs administrative procedures in regions not organized as governorates.
“This decision comes in response to rising temperatures,” the governor’s order stated.
Al-Muthanna joins a growing list of governorates implementing similar measures to cope with the heat wave. On July 27, Wasit and Diwaniyah suspended most government operations except for essential services. Babylon shifted its office hours to early morning and late evening, while Diyala shortened hours throughout the week. Basra and Dhi Qar declared full-day closures.
According to the Iraqi Meteorological Authority, the country is experiencing stable but extreme heat, with temperatures in Basra expected to reach 50°C. Winds are blowing northwesterly at 10 to 20 kilometers per hour, with potential for increased speeds and dust storms in central and southern desert areas.