Temperatures to reach 47°C in southern Iraq on Saturday

BAGHDAD — Temperatures are forecast to reach 47°C in parts of southern Iraq on Saturday as hot to very hot summer conditions continue across the country, according to the Iraqi Meteorological Authority.

The organization’s Aug. 22 forecast said skies would remain clear across Iraq, with the hottest conditions expected during daytime hours. Temperatures will become relatively milder at night.

Maysan and Basra are forecast to record the country’s highest temperatures at 47°C, followed by Najaf, Wasit, Muthanna and Dhi Qar at 46°C.

Highs of 45°C are forecast in Baghdad, Kirkuk, Karbala, Diyala, Salah Al-Din, Nineveh, Babil and Diwaniyah. Anbar and Erbil are expected to reach 44°C, while Sulaymaniyah is forecast at 43°C and Duhok at 42°C.

The organization said temperatures would be similar to those recorded Friday.

In central and southern Iraq, winds are forecast to be light to moderate northwesterly at speeds of 10-20 kilometers per hour, with periods of relative calm in eastern parts of the central region.

Northern areas is expected to experience light, variable winds at speeds of 5-10 kph.

Horizontal visibility will generally range from 8 to 10 kilometers, according to the forecast. Visibility could fall to between 5 and 7 kilometers in some central and northern areas due to haze and increased concentrations of pollutants.