Calay News
Amid relentlessly rising temperatures, Iraq is in the throes of a heat wave that has brought thermometers to alarming levels. Last Sunday, the capital Baghdad registered a shocking temperature of 50 degrees Celsius, and this extremely high temperature is forecast to persist until Monday. Amer al Jabri, a spokesman for the Iraqi meteorological agency, underscored the severity of the situation, calling it a “heat wave.”
The most affected areas will be the southern regions of Iraq, where temperatures are expected to exceed 50 degrees Celsius in places like Samawa, Nasiriyah, Diwaniyah, and Najaf. Jabri warned that although a slight decrease is expected in the coming days, the high temperatures will remain until the end of September.
This episode of extreme heat is particularly worrying for Iraq, which is listed among the five countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, according to the United Nations. Furthermore, the country is facing its fourth consecutive year of drought, further aggravating the situation. The combination of high temperatures and dry conditions creates a challenging environment for the population, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The Iraqi authorities are taking steps to address this crisis, urging the population to take precautions and take measures to protect themselves from extreme heat. People are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and seek shelter in cool places during the hottest times of the day.
As Iraq battles high temperatures and persistent drought, it is essential that adaptation and mitigation strategies are put in place to meet changing climate challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of the population.
