Iraq's meteorology authority warns of high temperatures across 12 cities

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Meteorological Authority said hot weather will grip the country on Saturday, with the agency forecasting temperatures between 43°C and 50°C and noting that readings in 12 cities, including Baghdad, were approaching or hitting 50°C. The agency, which published its forecast on Friday, said some cloud cover was expected in northern areas, with light to moderate northwesterly winds across central and northern regions and variable, light winds in the south. Conditions are expected to remain similar on Sunday, with temperatures close to those recorded the previous day, according to the authority. It added that Monday would bring a slight rise in temperatures nationwide, while Tuesday's readings were forecast to stay largely unchanged from Monday. The authority's statement did not specify a date for the peak heat or provide further detail on regional variations beyond the countrywide range it outlined. No additional information was immediately available on any public-health guidance tied to the forecast.