Iraq's weather agency forecasts cooler temperatures next week

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Meteorological Authority said temperatures across the country will drop below current levels over the coming days, with cooler conditions set to begin by early next week. The agency said Friday will be hot and partly cloudy in the northern region, with temperatures rising a few degrees there while falling slightly in central and southern areas. Saturday is expected to remain hot nationwide, with a slight rise in the south and little change elsewhere. On Sunday, cloud cover is forecast in the western parts of the central region, with moderate northwesterly winds and a small drop in temperatures in the north. Monday is expected to bring partly cloudy conditions in the north, with winds reaching up to 40 kilometers per hour, raising dust in central and southern areas. Temperatures are forecast to fall a few degrees in northern and central regions. The authority said Friday's expected low and high temperatures would range between 41°C and 48°C across the country.