Cold wave to hit Iraq with rain, snow, and sharp temperature drop

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s General Authority for Meteorology’s Forecast Department issued a weather report detailing the upcoming wave of cold weather expected to affect the country beginning Saturday.

According to the report, the weather system will bring gradual cloud cover over Iraqi skies starting Saturday, with rain expected Saturday evening and continuing through Sunday and into Monday.

Rainfall will primarily affect the Kurdistan Region, with light and scattered showers extending into central and southern regions.

Heavy snowfall is forecast in the mountainous areas. Snow may also reach lower elevations in Duhok and Sulaymaniyah provinces on Monday morning and during the day on Tuesday.

The report noted that the cold wave is expected to peak Friday night and Saturday. Temperatures are forecast to rise slightly starting Sunday before dropping sharply again from Wednesday.