Iraq’s heat wave deepens as governorates five near 50°C

BAGHDAD  — Iraq’s Meteorological Authority said Monday that hot and sunny weather will continue across the country, with temperatures in five governorates expected to reach 50 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

According to the authority’s daily forecast, Basra, Maysan, Dhi Qar, Najaf and Babil are expected to record temperatures of 50°C on June 23.

The agency said temperatures on Monday remained at levels similar to the previous day, with very hot conditions during daylight hours and relatively milder weather overnight.

Northwesterly winds are expected to blow at speeds ranging between 10 and 20 kilometers per hour, with stronger gusts reaching about 40 kilometers per hour around midday. The gusts may raise light dust in central and southern areas.

Visibility is expected to remain generally good, ranging between 8 and 10 kilometers, but may decrease to between 5 and 7 kilometers in dusty areas.

The authority also forecast further increases in temperatures in the coming days.