Light Rain Possible as Extreme Heat Grips Kurdistan
An intense heatwave grips Kurdistan with temperatures up to 49°C. A meteorologist says rising humidity from the Arabian Gulf could bring light rain to mountainous areas of Sulaimani, Koya, northern Erbil, and Akre, while extreme heat persists elsewhere.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — As an intense and dangerous heatwave continues to bake the Kurdistan Region with temperatures soaring towards 50 degrees Celsius, a surprising meteorological development could bring light rainfall to some localized areas, offering a brief, albeit unusual, atmospheric event amid the searing heat.
Speaking to Kurdistan24, meteorologist Mohammed Kamal explained that a rise in atmospheric humidity, directly linked to the ongoing heat dome smothering the region, has created the conditions necessary for potential precipitation. He detailed a specific weather pattern responsible for this possibility, noting that a plume of moisture originating from the Arabian Gulf has traveled across western Iran and is now moving into the eastern parts of the Kurdistan Region.
This influx of humidity, according to Kamal, significantly increases the chances of isolated rainfall. However, he stressed that this would not be a widespread event. The forecast indicates that the possibility of light rain is concentrated in very specific, mostly mountainous, locales. The areas identified with the highest chance of seeing some precipitation include the mountainous parts of Sulaimani province, the Koya district, the northern areas of Erbil province, and the Akre area.
Despite this chance of rain, the dominant and most pressing weather story across the entirety of the Kurdistan Region remains the dangerously high temperatures recorded on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The official readings underscore the severity of the heatwave, with the city of Kirkuk reaching a blistering 49°C.
Other major urban centers are experiencing similarly extreme conditions. The temperature in Erbil was recorded at 47°C, with the Zakho administration also hitting 47°C. The provinces of Sulaimani and Duhok both registered highs of 46°C, as did the Soran district. Halabja province recorded a slightly lower but still oppressive temperature of 45°C.
In a stark illustration of the cooling effect of high altitudes, the mountainous border area of Haji Omaran provided a significant contrast, with a much milder maximum temperature of 32°C.
In light of the extreme heat impacting the vast majority of the population, authorities and health experts continue to advise the public to take serious precautions. Residents are strongly encouraged to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, to limit strenuous outdoor activity, especially during the peak heat hours of the afternoon, and to follow Kurdistan24 for continuous and updated weather information.
