Rain, thunderstorms forecast across Iraq as temperatures reach 37°C

BAGHDAD — Iraq is expected to experience cloudy skies, scattered rainfall and thunderstorms Wednesday, as unstable weather conditions continue across the country, according to the Iraqi Meteorological Authority.

In its daily bulletin, the authority forecast light to moderate rain in several areas, accompanied by lightning and thunder in some locations. Temperatures are expected to remain close to Tuesday’s levels in central and northern areas, while southern governorates will see a slight increase.

The authority said autumn weather would prevail during the day, with relatively cooler conditions at night.

In the Kurdistan Region, Erbil is forecast to experience cloudy skies and rain, with a high of 29°C and a low of 17°C. Duhok will see similar conditions, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C, while Sulaymaniyah is expected to experience thunderstorms, with a high of 27°C and a low of 17°C.

Kirkuk is forecast to reach 30°C, with a low of 21°C and cloudy, rainy conditions.

In Baghdad, light rain is expected, with temperatures reaching 33°C during the day and falling to 20°C overnight.

Thunderstorms are forecast in Diyala, where temperatures will range from 19°C to 33°C, while Salah Al-Din will see light rain and a high of 31°C.

In western Iraq, Anbar is expected to remain cloudy, with a high of 30°C, while Nineveh will experience scattered thunderstorms and temperatures ranging from 17°C to 29°C.

Several central and southern governorates are also forecast to experience rain and thunderstorms. Karbala and Babil will reach 33°C and 34°C, respectively, while Najaf is expected to see light rain with a high of 34°C.

Wasit will record a high of 35°C, accompanied by thunderstorms, while Diwaniyah will see a chance of rain and temperatures reaching 34°C.

Southern Iraq will remain warmer, with Basra recording the country’s highest forecast temperature at 37°C, followed by Dhi Qar at 36°C. Maysan and Muthanna are expected to reach 35°C.

The authority forecast easterly winds of 10 to 20 kilometers per hour in central and southern Iraq, while northern areas will experience light, variable winds of 5 to 10 kilometers per hour, with occasional calm conditions.

Visibility is expected to range from 8 to 10 kilometers in most areas, dropping to between 5 and 7 kilometers in locations affected by rain and thunderstorms.