Authorities in Iraq have announced the suspension of official work in several provinces this Sunday due to a significant rise in temperatures, some of which have reached a record high of 52 degrees Celsius, particularly in Baghdad.
According to Amer Al-Jabri, spokesman for the Iraqi Meteorological Organization, the heatwave is expected to continue until Tuesday, after which a decrease in temperatures will occur.
Data from the weather service indicated that ten provinces recorded temperatures ranging from 50 to 52 degrees Celsius, predominantly located in the central and southern regions of the country. Meanwhile, northern provinces experienced temperatures between 44 and 49 degrees Celsius.
Provinces such as Basra (50 degrees Celsius), Maysan (50 degrees Celsius), Dhi Qar (50 degrees Celsius), Wasit (51 degrees Celsius), and Babil (51 degrees Celsius) have fully suspended official work, while other provinces have reduced working hours.
Iraqi authorities cautioned residents that the heatwave is expected to peak today, leading to an increase in ultraviolet radiation. As a result, it is advisable to avoid direct sunlight during midday.
This significant rise in temperatures coincides with a decline in electricity production across the country, as the inability to import gas from Iran has left the country unable to meet its energy demands, thus limiting the operational capacity of power generation facilities.