Temperatures set to climb toward 50C across Iraq

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Meteorological Authority said temperatures are expected to continue rising across the country over the coming days, with some southern areas forecast to approach 50 degrees Celsius by early next week.

In its weather forecast issued Friday, the authority said conditions would remain clear and sunny nationwide, with hot daytime temperatures and milder weather during the night and early morning hours.

Temperatures on Friday were expected to remain near Thursday’s levels, while northwesterly winds ranging from 10 to 20 kilometers per hour would prevail across much of the country. Light dust activity is expected in parts of the central region during daytime hours, while southern and western areas could experience localized weather fluctuations.

Visibility was forecast to remain generally good, ranging between 8 and 10 kilometers, though it could drop to between 5 and 7 kilometers in areas affected by dust.

The authority’s outlook for the coming days indicates a gradual increase in temperatures across Iraq. Conditions are expected to remain sunny through Tuesday, with light to moderate winds and visibility holding between 8 and 10 kilometers.

By Tuesday, temperatures are forecast to rise further across the country, reaching nearly 50 degrees Celsius in parts of the southern region, according to the authority’s projections.

The forecast follows a pattern of persistently hot summer weather that has dominated much of Iraq in recent weeks, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in several governorates.