Iraq forecast calls for rising heat through weekend

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s meteorological authority said Wednesday that temperatures will rise across the country through the end of the week, with winds varying in strength.

The General Authority for Meteorology and Seismology said conditions will remain mostly clear, with scattered clouds in western and southern regions. Highs are expected to reach 45 degrees Celsius in Basra, Maysan, and Dhi Qar.

Winds will generally range between 10 and 20 kilometers per hour but may pick up in central and southern areas on Friday, the authority said.

Visibility is forecast at 7 to 10 kilometers in the mornings, occasionally dropping to 5 kilometers in dusty conditions before improving later in the day.

The forecast said temperatures will remain high through Sunday, with slight declines expected at the start of next week.