Iraq’s meteorological and seismological department has announced that temperatures are predicted to hit 50 degrees Celsius, resulting in a public holiday being declared for Thursday in several regions.
“Central and southern provinces will see temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius,” said Amir Jabri, spokesperson for Iraq’s meteorological department, during a statement on Wednesday.
Jabri noted that this marks the beginning of the year’s second heatwave, expected to last a few days, and advised people to avoid direct sunlight exposure.
Typically, Thursday is a working day in Iraq, but public offices and many businesses remain closed on Friday and Saturday.
According to the department’s forecast, eight provinces will experience temperatures of at least 50 degrees Celsius.
During the previous heatwave last month, Iraq’s health ministry issued guidelines urging citizens to stay indoors and avoid direct sunlight between 10 am and 4 pm.
Last year saw extreme summer temperatures globally, with Iraq, one of the top five countries most vulnerable to climate change, being heavily affected.
High temperatures are common in Iraq, especially in the southern regions where they often reach 50 degrees Celsius, exacerbated by issues such as water scarcity, desertification, and reduced rainfall.
Compounding the problem, limited access to essential services like water and electricity makes it challenging for people to cope with the intense heat.