Iraq expects temperatures to ease over Ashura weekend, forecasters say

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's General Directorate of Meteorology and Seismic Monitoring said temperatures will drop by a few degrees across most of the country over the weekend, which includes Ashura, after northwest winds become active from Wednesday. The directorate said the weakening of a low-pressure system that brought surface heat will bring intermittent wind gusts during the day and calmer conditions at night. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover near seasonal averages for the next several days, easing a recent spell of hot weather in most Iraqi cities. Officials said no significant heat wave or sudden cold snap is forecast through the end of the month, though small upward or downward adjustments to the outlook are possible. The agency added that conditions are expected to remain consistent with summer weather patterns.