Rain and thunderstorms through Saturday as Basra reaches 37°C

BAGHDAD — Scattered rain and occasional thunderstorms are expected across Iraq through Saturday, with highs in five northern areas falling below 30°C on Wednesday, the Iraqi Meteorological Organization and Seismology said Tuesday. Partly cloudy skies will turn overcast on Tuesday evening and overnight, bringing light to moderate rain to the center and north with occasional lightning, thunder and downdrafts. Tuesday’s highs will be close to Monday’s, ranging from 28°C in Sulaymaniyah and Duhok to 37°C in Basra and Maysan.

In a warning issued Monday, the forecaster said Anbar would see the heaviest rain on Tuesday night and that a local weather front could bring heavy rain, lightning and downdrafts on Wednesday evening and overnight. It urged residents to keep away from valleys, flood channels and low-lying areas. On Wednesday, showers will spread to scattered areas, mainly in the center and north. Thursday will bring scattered rain nationwide, with thunderstorms mainly in the north and slightly lower temperatures in the center and south. Thunderstorms will continue in the north on Friday, while the center and south will be partly cloudy with isolated showers. Saturday will be partly cloudy, with scattered rain possible across the country and slightly cooler weather in the center and south. Winds will be light and variable at 5 to 10 km/h, gradually turning southeasterly and light to moderate, starting in the west. Visibility will be 8 to 10 kilometers, falling to 4 to 6 km in morning haze, rain and thunderstorms.

Tuesday’s highs: Duhok 28°C, Erbil 30°C, Sulaymaniyah 28°C, Baghdad 34°C, Maysan 37°C and Basra 37°C. Wednesday’s highs in the north: Duhok 26°C, Erbil 28°C, Sulaymaniyah 25°C, Nineveh 26°C and Kirkuk 29°C.