Rain and thunderstorms forecast for southern Iraq on Friday before temperatures climb

BAGHDAD — Southern Iraq will see rain and thunderstorms on Friday while the north and center remain largely clear, before temperatures rise gradually across the country through early next week, the Meteorological Authority said Thursday.

Friday will be clear with some cloud in northern and central regions, while the south will be partly to fully cloudy with chances of light to moderate thundery rainfall. Highs will range from 25°C in Duhok, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah to 36°C in Basra, with Baghdad reaching 32°C. Visibility will be 8–10 km, dropping to 5–7 km in rain.

Saturday will be clear before turning partly cloudy overnight in most cities, with temperatures rising slightly nationwide.

Sunday will be clear with some cloud, with northwesterly winds strengthening to up to 40 km/h in eastern parts of the central and southern regions, raising light local dust. Temperatures will rise slightly in central and southern areas and remain steady in the north.

Monday will be clear with some cloud before turning partly cloudy overnight, with another slight rise in temperatures across the country.