Iraq's meteorological authority warns of continued extreme heat through Wednesday

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Meteorological Authority said hot weather will persist across the country through Wednesday, with temperatures in 11 cities expected to reach 50°C. In a bulletin issued on Sunday, the agency forecast clear to partly cloudy skies on Monday, with light to moderate northwesterly winds. Temperatures are projected to rise slightly in central Iraq compared with the previous day, while northern and southern regions will see a small decrease. On Monday, central and southern areas are expected to remain clear, with partly cloudy conditions in the north and winds reaching up to 40 km/h in northwestern areas, raising dust. Clear and partly cloudy weather is forecast nationwide on Tuesday, with temperatures rising slightly in the central region and remaining similar to the previous day in the north and south. On Wednesday, clear skies will continue, with a slight increase in southern temperatures, stable conditions in the center, and a minor decline in the north. The authority said the highest temperatures expected on Monday will range between 43°C and 50°C across the country.