Mercury to hit 50 in parts of Iraq

Temperatures across parts of Iraq are expected to top 50 degrees Celsius on Thursday. Iraq’s meteorology and seismology organisation announced that temperatures are set to reach 50 degrees Celsius, prompting a public holiday on Thursday in several provinces. William Denselow reports from Baghdad. 

Thursday is a workday in Iraq; however, public offices and most businesses are closed on Friday and Saturday.

According to the organization’s forecasts, eight provinces will experience temperatures of at least 50 degrees Celsius.

During last month’s heatwave, Iraq’s health ministry issued instructions to citizens, advising against going outside and being exposed to direct sunlight, especially from 10 am to 4 pm.

Extreme summer temperatures were recorded across the globe last year, particularly in Iraq, which is the fifth-most vulnerable country to the effects of climate change.

Scorching temperatures are not new in Iraq, particularly in the south where temperatures regularly approach 50 degrees Celsius, coupled with water scarcity, desertification, and reduced rainfall.

However, a lack of access to basic services, such as water and electricity, makes it more difficult for people to cope with the heat.