Iraq's meteorological authority warns of dust storms, rising temperatures

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Meteorological Authority said Monday that temperatures will climb over the coming days, with dust expected to affect parts of the country. The agency forecast generally clear weather on Tuesday, with light to moderate northwesterly winds reaching 40 kilometers per hour in southern areas during daytime hours. Temperatures are expected to rise by a few degrees in central and northern Iraq on Tuesday, while remaining close to the previous day's levels in the south. On Wednesday, weather will again be clear, with light dust raised by winds in the south, and temperatures will edge up across the country compared with Tuesday, the authority said. Thursday and Friday are also forecast to be clear, with light to moderate northwesterly winds. The meteorological agency said maximum temperatures will range from 40 to 43 degrees Celsius in the south and central regions, and from 35 to 39 degrees in the north.