Arctic air mass to hit Iraq next week, bringing snow to Kurdish mountains

Nov. 21, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - Iraq's Meteorological Authority has forecast the arrival of a polar air mass early next week, bringing significant temperature drops and precipitation across the country, particularly affecting the Kurdistan Region.

According to the weather authority, a cold Arctic front is expected to reach the Kurdistan Region by Monday, causing temperatures to plummet by 8 to 10 degrees Celsius compared to the previous day.

"The cold front will affect western and central regions, including Baghdad, while southern areas will remain relatively stable," the authority stated in its latest bulletin. "Tuesday and Wednesday will see particularly low temperatures in the Kurdistan Region, signaling the arrival of a strong winter weather system."

The forecast indicates rainfall across the Kurdistan Region and northeastern Iraq on Monday, with snowfall expected in mountainous areas, though accumulation is predicted to be minimal.

Temperature Forecasts:
- Baghdad: Expected to drop to 16°C by the end of next week
- Mosul and Kurdistan Region: May fall to as low as 12°C
- General forecast: Temperatures across affected regions will drop below 20°C

Such Arctic air masses typically affect Iraq's northern regions during the winter months, with the Kurdistan Region's mountainous geography making it particularly susceptible to severe weather conditions. The meteorological event marks one of the first significant winter weather systems of the season, signaling the transition from autumn to winter weather patterns in the region.