Rain and thunderstorms in the north and center as Basra reaches 32°C

BAGHDAD — Rain, thunderstorms and isolated heavy showers are expected across central and northern Iraq on Friday, with highs ranging from 18°C in Duhok to 32°C in Basra, the Iraqi Meteorological Organization and Seismology said.

Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning will fall in the center and north, with gusty winds in places, while the south will see partly cloudy skies, occasional thunderstorms and rain easing overnight. Temperatures will stay close to Thursday’s levels, with Baghdad reaching 27°C.

Southeasterly winds will blow at 10 to 20 kilometers per hour on Friday, and visibility could drop from the usual 8 to 10 kilometers to 3 to 5 km in thunderstorms. Saturday brings moderate rain and occasional thunderstorms to the center and north, in line with the forecaster’s earlier outlook through Saturday, with lighter showers possible in the south and temperatures dipping slightly, especially in the north. Sunday will be partly cloudy, with isolated showers and thunderstorms in eastern areas and possible morning fog in the center and north. Skies will be mostly clear to partly cloudy and generally dry on Monday and Tuesday, with light to moderate winds and visibility back to 8 to 10 kilometers.

Friday’s highs: Duhok 18°C, Baghdad 27°C, Dhi Qar 30°C and Basra 32°C.