Sunday: Severe thunderstorms in Iraq… Flash flood warnings include Baghdad

Arab Weather - The latest weather analyses indicate that Iraq will be affected on Sunday by an unstable weather condition that may be accompanied by heavy thunderstorms in several regions of the country, with warnings of the possibility of flash floods and rising water levels in some areas, including the capital, Baghdad.

This weather pattern is a result of a low-pressure system centered near the coast of Iskenderun in northwestern Syria, coinciding with the extension of a Red Sea trough into the Arabian Peninsula. This atmospheric convergence is pushing moist air currents towards Iraqi airspace, contributing to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorms.

Rain chances are expected to gradually increase during the afternoon hours, peaking during the late afternoon and evening hours of Sunday, with large areas of northern Iraq likely to experience thunderstorms that may be heavy at times.

The areas most likely to receive rainfall include parts of Iraqi Kurdistan, particularly Dohuk and Sulaymaniyah, as well as Mosul and its surrounding areas. The chance of rain will later extend to parts of central Iraq, including the capital, Baghdad, with the possibility of thunderstorms of varying intensity.

Warnings and alerts:

• There is a possibility of flash floods forming in valleys and low-lying areas.
• Water levels have risen in some streets as a result of heavy rainfall.
• Reduced horizontal visibility during thunderstorms.
• Possible downdraft activity associated with cumulonimbus clouds.
• Tips and guidelines:
• Avoid crossing valleys and flood channels during rainfall.
• Pay attention while driving, especially on roads where water may accumulate.
• Stabilizing objects that could be blown away by the winds accompanying storms.
• Follow weather updates and instructions issued by the relevant authorities.