Iraq Records Hottest Temperatures of the Year, Reaching 49°C

Iraq has recorded its highest temperatures of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 49°C (120°F) in two southern provinces, Basra and Maysan, according to the Iraqi Meteorological Authority.

The extreme heat comes weeks ahead of summer, signaling an early and intense start to the country’s hottest season. In the neighboring Dhi Qar province, temperatures also soared to 48°C, while the capital Baghdad registered 44°C on Tuesday, with forecasts predicting a further rise to 46°C by Friday.

“This is the highest temperature recorded in Iraq this year,” said Amer Al-Jabri, spokesperson for the Meteorological Authority. “In comparison, May last year experienced relatively milder conditions.”

Iraq frequently experiences temperatures above 50°C during peak summer months, especially in July and August, though similar levels have been recorded as early as May in recent years.

The country remains one of the five nations most vulnerable to climate change, according to the United Nations. A combination of declining rainfall, prolonged drought, and increasing sandstorms continues to exacerbate Iraq's already extreme heat conditions, posing serious challenges to agriculture, health, and energy infrastructure.