Iraq sees scorching heat, scattered rain across north

BAGHDAD — Iraq will see hot to extremely hot weather Saturday, with scattered clouds and light rain expected in parts of the north, particularly mountainous areas of the Kurdistan Region, according to the General Authority for Meteorology and Seismic Monitoring.

The authority said Sulaymaniyah is expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius and Duhok 38, while Erbil is forecast at 41. Light rain and thunderstorms are possible in some northern areas, with a chance of light showers in parts of central and southern Iraq.

Temperatures are expected to rise slightly from Friday across central and northern Iraq, while remaining near previous levels in the south. Daytime conditions will be especially hot around midday, with relatively milder weather during the early morning and nighttime hours.

Baghdad is forecast to reach 46 degrees Celsius, while temperatures will climb to 49 in Basra, Maysan and Dhi Qar. Muthanna and Najaf are expected to reach 48, while Karbala, Wasit and Babil are forecast at 47.

Winds will generally be light to moderate and variable at 10 to 20 kilometers per hour, occasionally shifting to southwesterly winds of 20 to 30 kph in central and northern areas. The authority said the stronger winds could raise light dust, particularly in desert areas.

Horizontal visibility is expected to remain generally good at 8 to 10 kilometers, but could fall to between 5 and 7 kilometers in dusty areas during the morning.

The forecast for Sunday shows temperatures easing in many areas, including Baghdad at 42 degrees Celsius, while rain chances remain in parts of northern Iraq.