Iraq temperatures to rise through Tuesday ahead of dust storms

BAGHDAD — Temperatures will rise across much of Iraq over the coming days before dusty conditions return to central and southern regions by Wednesday, the Meteorological Authority said Saturday.

Saturday will be clear with scattered cloud in central Iraq, with temperatures rising noticeably in central and northern regions. Northwesterly winds of 20–30 km/h will strengthen to gusts of up to 50 km/h in eastern areas, raising dust in desert and open terrain. Visibility will range from 8–10 km, dropping to 4–6 km in dusty areas before improving in the evening.

Sunday will be clear with some cloud nationwide, with temperatures continuing to rise. Highs will range from 27°C in Duhok to 39°C in Dhi Qar, with Baghdad reaching 36°C.

Monday will be partly cloudy with temperatures rising further across the country.

Tuesday will bring cloudy skies and a chance of light rain in central and northern areas, while the south remains clear to partly cloudy. Temperatures will edge up slightly.

Wednesday will be clear with some cloud, but moderate to active northwesterly winds will trigger dust storms in central and southern Iraq. Temperatures will drop in those regions while remaining steady in the north. Visibility will fall to 2–4 km in the worst-affected areas.