Iraq suspends government work Thursday as storms set to peak overnight

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered the suspension of official working hours in all state institutions Thursday, excluding service departments, as meteorological authorities warned of intensifying storms expected to peak overnight and continue through Friday morning.

The General Authority for Meteorology said a surface low-pressure system accompanied by a cold upper air mass is advancing across the country, with atmospheric instability expected to peak Wednesday evening and persist through Friday dawn. Most cities will be affected by thunderstorms of varying intensity, with rainfall potentially turning heavy in central and southern areas, accompanied by lightning, thunder and hail. Strong downdraft winds are also forecast during the storms.

Authorities warned of flash floods in mountainous areas and valleys, flooding of residential neighborhoods and unserviced streets, and urged residents to avoid riverbanks and limit travel during severe conditions. Northern areas are expected to remain under unstable conditions through Friday evening.

The suspension and warnings follow several days of widespread rainfall across Iraq that has improved water levels in some regions — including a notable reduction in salinity in Basra — while raising flooding concerns in others.