Iraqi cities to record temperatures in the 30s as summer heat eases slightly

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Northern governorates in the Kurdistan Region are set to see daytime temperatures drop into the upper 30s Celsius on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, offering a modest reprieve from intense summer heat, according to a forecast by the Iraqi Meteorological Organization and Seismology on Tuesday. Across central and southern Iraq, conditions will remain generally hot to very hot during peak daylight hours, with mild early morning and nighttime temperatures. Skies will stay predominantly clear nationwide, with scattered cloud cover developing periodically over western portions of the central region. Key Forecast Metrics & Regional Conditions Northern High Temperatures (Wednesday, Aug 19): Erbil:Forecasted at 39°C. Sulaymaniyah:Forecasted at 37°C. Duhok: Forecasted at 37°C. Wind Speed & Direction: Light to moderate northwesterly winds blowing between 10 and 20 km/h, increasing to gusts of up to 40 km/h in eastern parts of the central and southern regions. Dust & Visibility: Wind activity is expected to generate light localized dust along desert expanses and exterior highways. Horizontal visibility is generally projected at 8 to 10 km, decreasing to 5 to 7 km in areas affected by blowing dust. The cooling trend across Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok marks the gradual moderating of peak summer highs in higher-elevation northern governorates. While central and southern Iraq continue to experience typical mid-August heat, stable northwesterly air currents are contributing to clearer overall skies and milder nighttime temperatures across the country.