Heavy rain forecast for northern Iraq on Saturday before temperatures climb

BAGHDAD — Northern Iraq will see heavy rain and thunderstorms on Saturday before conditions ease and temperatures rise across the country through early next week, the meteorological authority said Friday.

Saturday will be cloudy in the north with moderate to heavy rain, lightning and thunder, partly cloudy in the central region with chances of light to moderate showers, and clear to partly cloudy in the south. Maximum temperatures will range from 24°C in Duhok to 37°C in Basra, with Baghdad reaching 32°C.

Sunday will be partly to fully cloudy nationwide, with rain continuing in the north. Southeasterly winds will shift to northwesterly and become active, raising dust in western areas. Temperatures will rise slightly.

Monday will be partly cloudy with a chance of light scattered showers. Temperatures will drop a few degrees in central and northern regions and rise slightly in the south.

Tuesday will be generally clear with some cloud cover and a further drop in temperatures across the country.