Unstable weather conditions began affecting Iraq on Friday, November 14, 2025, with forecasts of thunderstorms and dust-raising downdrafts. Hail is also possible in northern regions, according to a report issued by the Iraqi Meteorological Organization.
The organization explained that satellite imagery showed the development of an active weather system in the eastern Mediterranean, with cumulonimbus clouds extending towards Syria, Turkey, and northern and western Iraq. This is due to a cold air mass in the upper atmosphere interacting with a surface low-pressure system, increasing the chances of uplift and condensation.
According to the statement, Nineveh, Dohuk, and Erbil are currently affected by cumulonimbus clouds, and the chance of thunderstorms will increase this evening with the arrival of the main arm of the weather system. Western Iraq is covered by clouds at varying altitudes, which are expected to develop later, producing light to moderate rain during the evening.
In the central and southern regions, the weather will remain relatively stable during the day with high clouds. The full impact of the weather system will begin tonight with increased cloud cover and a chance of light rain early Saturday morning.
The Meteorological Authority indicated that the low-pressure system will gradually intensify overnight, with thunderstorms of varying intensity expected in the north and west, followed by rainfall in the central cities. Some southern areas will experience light rain early Saturday morning.
The Authority anticipates heavy rainfall in cities such as Nineveh, Dohuk, Salah al-Din, Kirkuk, Anbar, eastern Baghdad, and possibly Diyala.
Regarding the winds, they will be easterly on Saturday, stirring up some local dust, with the possibility of strong downdrafts associated with thunderstorms.
The Authority also confirmed that the weather system will intensify further on Saturday, with a high probability of heavy rain in the north, particularly in Erbil, Kirkuk, Dohuk, and northern Sulaymaniyah. This rain may be accompanied by lightning, thunder, and hail.
Basra: Dense Fog Dissipates, Visibility Returns After Disruption
Basra Governorate recently experienced a wave of dense fog that reduced visibility to less than 1,000 meters, sometimes as low as 500 meters, causing traffic slowdowns and some accidents.
Experts confirmed that the fog was a natural phenomenon and gradually dissipated, with visibility returning to approximately 5 kilometers after morning.
An active low-pressure system hits Iraq... Thunderstorms in the north and normal visibility returns in Basra
