Iraq’s heat eases as fall beckons, forecasters say

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Meteorological Organization said Monday that the country is entering a cooler period as fall begins, with daytime heat easing and nights turning mild.

The agency reported that “temperatures recorded a slight decrease compared with yesterday by about 1–2°C, and the decline will continue throughout next week with the arrival of September and the fall season.”

The forecast said weather will be sunny across all governorates, with highs from 39°C in Anbar to 45°C in Basra and lows between 23°C and 30°C. Baghdad recorded 41°C, Najaf and Diwaniyah 42°C, Maysan 44°C, and Basra the highest at 45°C.

Winds will be northwesterly at 20–30 km/h, occasionally stronger in central and southern areas, causing light dust. Northern areas are expected to remain calmer with variable directions. Visibility will range between 6 and 8 kilometers, dropping to 4 kilometers in dusty regions.

The outlook for the next four days calls for clear skies and a steady drop in temperatures. On Tuesday, forecasters expect 43°C in Erbil, 42°C in Kirkuk, 42°C in Sulaymaniyah, and 46°C in Basra.