Iraq expects slight temperature drop on Friday, weather agency says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Meteorological Authority said temperatures across the country will edge down slightly on Friday, with hot and clear conditions forecast nationwide. The agency reported that Thursday will be hot and clear, with northwesterly winds at light to moderate speeds. In parts of the central and southern regions, wind gusts are expected to reach 40 kilometers per hour, raising dust in some areas. Thursday's temperatures are forecast to remain close to those recorded the previous day. On Friday, weather will remain hot and clear with a slight decline in temperatures nationwide. Saturday is expected to be clear and hot, with occasional cloud cover in the south; temperatures will rise slightly in the south and stay similar to the previous day in the northern and central regions. Sunday's outlook is hot and clear, with some clouds in the southern region. Temperatures are forecast to rise slightly in the north and center, while the south will see readings close to the previous day. The agency said Thursday's expected high temperatures would range between 42°C and 50°C.