Iraq braces for 50°C heatwave by midweek, meteorologist says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's summer heat will persist into the coming days, with temperatures forecast to climb to 50°C across much of the country's central and southern cities by midweek, meteorologist Sadiq Ati said Friday afternoon. In a social media post, Ati said weather conditions would remain stable on Saturday and that no immediate drop in temperatures was expected, with the heat instead intensifying from Wednesday onward. The forecast comes as several Iraqi cities, including the capital Baghdad, brace for prolonged sweltering conditions in the days ahead. Ati noted that a gradual decline in temperatures would begin only after mid-August. The meteorologist warned that the heatwave could directly affect daily life and public health. He did not specify additional protective measures or government responses, and no further details were immediately available.