Dhi Qar provincial council declares Wednesday a holiday as temperatures expected to exceed 50°C

DHI QAR, Iraq — The Dhi Qar Provincial Council voted on Tuesday to suspend official working hours in government offices on Wednesday, citing forecasts that temperatures would exceed 50°C. Council spokesman Ahmed Selim al-Ibrahimi said the decision followed meteorological projections indicating extreme heat across the southern province. Al-Ibrahimi said the Iraqi Meteorological Organization had warned residents to avoid direct sunlight, a recommendation that influenced the council's decision. He added that the suspension was aimed at protecting the health of citizens and public-sector employees. Under the measure, government offices across the province will be closed on Wednesday. No further details on the duration of the holiday or additional measures were immediately available.