Meteorological Authority forecasts mild conditions, gradual cooling across Iraq

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Meteorological Authority said Wednesday that weather conditions will remain stable and moderate through the end of the week, with temperatures expected to drop again after midweek.

In its daily report, the authority said the country “remains under the influence of a surface high-pressure system extending from North Africa, accompanied by weak low-pressure activity over the Arabian Peninsula.” It added that most areas will see clear skies and mild morning and evening temperatures, turning warm during the day.

Winds will be light to moderate, ranging between 20 and 30 kilometers per hour, shifting direction at night. Visibility will generally range between 8 and 10 kilometers but could fall to 4 to 6 kilometers early in the morning due to fog or suspended dust.

The authority said temperatures will gradually decline starting midweek, though southern governorates will remain warmest. Highs on Thursday are forecast at 41°C in Muthanna, Dhi Qar, and Basra, and 40°C in Maysan. Central areas including Baghdad, Babil, and Karbala will record highs around 36°C to 37°C, while northern governorates will remain cooler with 31°C in Duhok and 33°C in Erbil.

“Moderate weather will prevail until the end of the week, with a noticeable drop in temperatures returning once again,” the report said. The authority advised motorists to exercise caution in early morning hours due to fog formation in some areas.