Iraq's meteorological agency forecasts rain in the north over the weekend

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's General Meteorological Authority said rain is expected in the northern region over the weekend, with weather conditions varying across the country from Thursday onward. On Thursday, central and northern areas will see clear skies, while parts of the south will experience partly cloudy conditions. Northwesterly winds will blow at light to moderate speeds, and temperatures nationwide will remain similar to the previous day. Friday will bring similar conditions, with clear weather in central and northern regions and cloud cover in some southern areas, accompanied by shifting light winds. Saturday will be mostly clear across the country, but the northern parts of the northern region may see localized cloud cover and a chance of light showers. Southwesterly winds will blow at light to moderate speeds, reaching up to 30 kilometers per hour in central and northern areas during the day and causing light dust to rise. Temperatures will rise by a few degrees compared with Friday. On Sunday, partly cloudy skies will give way to clearer conditions as the day progresses. Southwesterly winds will continue at light to moderate speeds, with temperatures dropping a few degrees in central and northern regions and remaining similar to Saturday in the south. The authority said Thursday's expected highs would range between 39 and 50 degrees Celsius.