Iraq braces for scattered rain, thunderstorms Thursday as temperatures hit 36°C

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s General Authority for Meteorology forecast partly cloudy to cloudy conditions across much of the country Thursday, with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms expected in several governorates.

According to the daily weather bulletin issued by the authority under the Ministry of Transport, central and northern areas will experience partly cloudy skies, with chances of light, scattered rainfall. Thunderstorms are also possible in eastern areas during daytime hours. Southern Iraq is expected to see partly cloudy conditions, with chances of light rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in scattered locations.

Temperatures in northern areas are expected to remain close to Wednesday’s readings, while central and southern governorates will experience a slight decrease. The authority said autumn conditions will range from mild to warm during the day, becoming cooler at night.

Baghdad is forecast to reach a high of 34°C and a low of 24°C, with a chance of rain. Erbil will see a high of 28°C and a low of 18°C, with rain showers, while Sulaymaniyah is expected to record 25°C and 17°C, with possible thunderstorms. Duhok will record temperatures between 18°C and 27°C, with rain showers, while Kirkuk is expected to reach 30°C, with a low of 23°C and a chance of rain.

In Nineveh, temperatures will range from 16°C to 29°C under partly cloudy skies, while Salah al-Din will record a high of 32°C and a low of 22°C, with possible rainfall. Diyala is forecast to reach 34°C, with a low of 21°C and possible thunderstorms.

In central Iraq, Anbar will record temperatures between 19°C and 30°C, while Karbala is expected to reach 34°C, with a low of 23°C and a chance of rain. Najaf will see partly cloudy conditions, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 34°C. Babil is forecast to reach 36°C, with a low of 21°C and possible rainfall.

In the south, Basra is expected to record a high of 36°C and a low of 28°C, with possible thunderstorms. Maysan will reach 35°C, with a low of 27°C and a chance of rain, while Dhi Qar will record temperatures between 27°C and 35°C, with light rain showers.

Wasit is forecast to reach 35°C, with a low of 27°C and possible thunderstorms. Diwaniyah will record a high of 36°C and a low of 27°C, with a chance of rain, while Muthanna will see cloudy conditions, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 36°C.

The authority said winds will generally be light to moderate, blowing from varying directions at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometers per hour. In some areas, winds will shift from northeasterly to easterly.