Iraq endures extreme heat wave as temperatures near 50 °C

The Iraqi Meteorological Authority warned that the country will face a prolonged heat wave through mid‑July and August, with maximum temperatures predicted at 51 °C in Basra, 50 °C in Maysan and similar highs across most provinces. Strong north‑west winds of up to 40 km/h are expected to lift local dust, reducing visibility in some areas. The forecast describes the period as “Jamrat al‑Qayz”, a traditional heat‑intensified phase that began on 15 July and is expected to peak on 16 July, accompanied by high humidity and intense ultraviolet radiation.

Residents and shop owners report severe water and electricity shortages during the heat spell. Many have resorted to spraying water and constructing temporary awnings to cool outdoor spaces, while urging the Ministry of Electricity to increase generation hours. The prolonged high temperatures are expected to depress market activity, reduce consumer footfall, and strain the national power grid, which already suffers from frequent outages during the summer months.