Iraq forecasts highs of 47 C with showers possible in north

BAGHDAD — Karbala, Basra and Dhi Qar were forecast at 47°C on Sunday, with light showers possible in Duhok and Nineveh before cooler weather reaches central and northern Iraq on Monday, the Iraqi Meteorological Organization and Seismology said.

Baghdad was forecast at 45°C and Sulaymaniyah lowest at 39°C. The organization’s written summary put Muthanna at 47°C while its chart gave 46°C.

Conditions were generally clear with scattered cloud over the centre and partly cloudy skies in the north, with light showers possible and occasional thunder, particularly in northern areas. Winds were light and variable at 5 to 10 km/h, occasionally southeasterly at 10 to 20 km/h. Visibility was 8 to 10 km, falling to 5 to 7 km in the morning because of haze and raised pollutant levels.

Baghdad is expected to fall to 42°C on Monday, Karbala to 43°C and Basra to 45°C, with Sulaymaniyah at 37°C and Duhok 38°C and more chance of light rain in the north. The south eases on Tuesday before the centre rises slightly on Wednesday.