Heat wave continues as four governorates hit 48 °C

BAGHDAD — Iraq is bracing for another sweltering day as extreme heat grips the country, with temperatures in the central and southern regions soaring to a blistering 48°C, according to the Iraqi Meteorological Authority.

Sunday’s forecast indicates that while most of the country will experience mainly clear skies, some clouds are expected over the northern mountainous areas in the Kurdistan Region.

Despite these clouds, the intense summer heat will persist throughout the day, particularly during the afternoon peak. It comes after a fall in temperatures across much of Iraq last week.

Residents can expect slight relief at the night, with the weather trending toward relative moderation during these times

In the central and southern regions, moderate northwesterly winds will blow at speeds between 20 to 30 km/h, accompanied by periods of calm in the eastern sections of the central region. The northern areas will see variable, light winds ranging from 5 to 10 km/h.

Overall horizontal visibility is generally at 8 to 10 km, though it will be reduced in some areas of the central and northern areas due to haze and rising pollutant concentrations, dropping visibility to between 5 and 7 km.

Temperatures across major Iraqi cities see Baghdad reaching a high of 45°C, Basra, Maysan, Muthanna and Dhi Qar hitting 48°C, Mosul registering 46°C, and Erbil recording 44°C. Najaf and Kirkuk both reach highs of 47°C respectively, while Karbala climbs to 46°C, and both Duhok and Sulaymaniyah see a high of 42°C.