Temperatures near 50°C as Iraq enters stretch of stable but extreme summer heat

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Meteorological Organization said Wednesday the country is experiencing stable but extremely hot summer weather, with highs near 50°C and mostly clear skies across much of the country.

In its daily bulletin, the agency said temperatures remain similar to Tuesday’s, with a slight drop expected in parts of the central and northern regions.

Winds are expected to be moderate and northwesterly, ranging from 20 to 30 kilometers per hour. Wind speeds may increase in the afternoon across central and southern areas, potentially raising dust in desert zones.

Horizontal visibility is generally between 8 and 10 kilometers, the agency said, but may drop to between 5 and 7 kilometers in areas affected by dust.

On Wednesday, temperatures reached 50°C in Basra, followed by 49°C in Maysan and Dhi Qar, and 48°C in Muthanna. Most southern and central governorates recorded highs above 44°C, including Baghdad, Najaf, Diwaniyah, Wasit and Babil.