Temperatures across Iraq set to approach 50°C, meteorology agency says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Meteorological Authority said high temperatures would continue to rise across the country through Wednesday, with the most intense heat expected in central and southern provinces. The agency forecast clear skies with partly cloudy conditions on Sunday and light to moderate northwesterly winds. Temperatures were expected to edge slightly higher in central areas compared with the previous day, while northern and southern regions would see a small dip. On Monday, central and southern Iraq was forecast to remain clear, with partly cloudy skies in the north and northwesterly winds reaching up to 40 kilometers per hour, raising dust in some areas. Tuesday and Wednesday were expected to be clear to partly cloudy nationwide. Temperatures were forecast to rise slightly in the central region on Tuesday, hold steady in the north and south, and then edge up further in the south on Wednesday while remaining similar in the center and easing slightly in the north. The Meteorological Authority said maximum temperatures on Sunday would range from 43°C to 50°C, with 11 cities expected to come within half a degree of the boiling point.