Iraq: Heat wave accompanied by unusual weather conditions (scattered thunderstorms, sandstorms, and chances of rain)

Arab Weather - Numerical computer models at the Arab Weather Center predict that a blazing hot air mass will center over Iraq and loom over most of the country, causing a significant intensification of the heat wave on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Temperatures will further rise, far exceeding their expected levels.

Temperatures reach 50°C in the capital, Baghdad.

Maximum temperatures will range between 49-50°C in the capital, Baghdad, and the northern regions, while they will reach 50-52°C in the southern and desert regions, including the city of Basra. These are record-breaking and stressful temperatures for humans, and the most appropriate description of the weather at that time is scorching in Baghdad and all of Iraq.

Hot nights await Iraq, and low temperatures are recorded in Arab capitals at the height of the day.

God willing, night temperatures are expected to rise significantly during the heat wave period, especially at the end of the week, making the weather hot and humid during the night hours in various parts of Iraq. Minimum temperatures (the lowest temperature during the day) will be very high, reaching approximately 33-34°C, which are values recorded during the peak of the day in the capitals of the Levant sometimes.

The impact of the heat wave is not limited to heat only (dust and chances of unseasonal thunderstorms)

Computer maps from the Arab Weather Center show that the heat wave coincides with an influx of moisture into the middle and upper layers of the atmosphere, coinciding with high-level heating of the Earth's surface. This will result in the appearance of medium and high clouds, and the possibility of scattered and random thunderstorms, especially in parts of northern and western Iraq, on a daily basis until Tuesday. This is unusual for the height of summer.

Thunderstorms are also expected to be accompanied by what are known as strong downdrafts in their areas, with gusts reaching over 70 km/h. This can lead to the formation of dense dust waves and sandstorms surrounding the thunderclouds, as a result of the accompanying strong downdrafts. These storms will gradually expand to reach areas far from the clouds, and may even reach cities.

Important recommendations from Arab Weather during the heat wave and dusty weather:

• Avoid prolonged and direct exposure to sunlight.
• Drink adequate amounts of fluids and moisturizers regularly.
• Do not leave pressurized containers or any flammable materials inside closed vehicles under the sun.
• Do not leave children inside closed vehicles, even for a short period.
• Beware of the risk of increased dust levels and their impact on patients with respiratory diseases and horizontal visibility.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing and hats.

And God knows best.