Iraq’s climate is predominantly hot and dry, characterized by significant temperature extremes and limited rainfall.
Defining Characteristics
Iraq experiences extremely hot, arid summers and relatively cool, wet winters. Summer, from May to October, brings clear skies, very high temperatures, and low humidity, with virtually no rain from June through September. Daytime temperatures frequently surpass 45°C, and in some areas, can reach over 50°C. Baghdad, for instance, records mean daily temperatures of about 35°C in July and August, with historical highs of 51°C.
Winter, from December to February, is generally mild in the lowlands, though temperatures can drop below freezing. Baghdad’s winter temperatures typically range from 2°C to 15°C. Most of Iraq’s lowlands receive low annual precipitation, generally between 100 to 180 millimeters, with nearly all rainfall occurring from November to April. The majority of the country experiences a desert or steppe climate, characterized by annual rainfall less than 200 millimeters.
Regional Diversity
Iraq’s diverse geography leads to distinct climatic variations. The northern mountainous areas, including Iraqi Kurdistan, exhibit a Mediterranean climate with cooler temperatures and higher precipitation. Winters in these regions are cold and wet, while summers are hot and dry, though generally 3-6°C cooler than the lowlands. Annual rainfall in the foothills can range from 300 to 560 millimeters, potentially exceeding 1,000 millimeters in higher mountains. In Sulaymaniyah, January temperatures average 5.5°C, and precipitation reaches around 745 millimeters annually.
The central plains, including Baghdad, experience a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Average annual rainfall in this region typically ranges from 100 to 200 millimeters. This area relies on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers for water due to limited local rainfall.
Southern Iraq, particularly the marshlands and areas near the Persian Gulf, has an arid climate characterized by extremely high summer temperatures and considerable humidity. Temperatures in cities like Basra can regularly exceed 45°C during summer. Annual rainfall in the south can be as low as 100 millimeters. The Persian Gulf influences humidity levels, making summer heat particularly oppressive.
Dominant Weather Phenomena
Iraq is frequently affected by dust and sand storms and intense heatwaves. Dust storms occur throughout the year, most frequently in summer. These storms, driven by strong winds, bring extremely dry air and can significantly reduce visibility. Southerly and southeasterly winds also contribute to dust storms, especially in early summer and winter.
Heatwaves are a prominent feature of the Iraqi summer, with temperatures consistently reaching and exceeding 45°C. These prolonged periods of extreme heat pose health risks. High temperatures and dry conditions contribute to the occurrence and severity of dust storms.
Factors Shaping Iraq’s Climate
Iraq’s climate is primarily shaped by its geographical position and topographical features. The country lies within the subtropical high-pressure belt, leading to stable, dry atmospheric conditions and clear skies, contributing to its hot and arid environment.
Topography plays a significant role in regional climate variations. The Zagros and Taurus mountains in the north act as a barrier, trapping moisture and leading to higher rainfall and cooler temperatures. Conversely, the vast plains and desert regions across central and southern Iraq are shielded from this moisture, resulting in their aridity and extreme heat.
The country’s proximity to large desert areas, particularly the Arabian Desert, further intensifies its arid conditions. These desert influences contribute to dry air masses and high temperatures. While much of Iraq experiences continental influences with extreme temperature swings, the Persian Gulf in the south introduces a maritime influence, leading to increased humidity during the hot summer months.
Climate Change and Its Effects
Climate change is significantly impacting Iraq, exacerbating its existing environmental vulnerabilities. Mean annual temperatures in Iraq have increased by approximately 0.7°C per century, with the country warming more than 2°C since the 1950s. This rise is projected to continue, with maximum annual temperatures potentially increasing by 0.48 to 2.5°C by the end of the century. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing increased health risks and stressing infrastructure.
Precipitation patterns are also shifting, with decreased rainfall observed in southern and central regions, intensifying aridity and drought conditions. This reduction in water availability severely affects the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, with flows declining by 30-40% over the past 40 years. Water scarcity directly impacts agriculture and livelihoods, contributing to desertification, which has expanded the desert area by 5% between 1990 and 2014, affecting 39% of Iraq’s land by 2022. Rising temperatures and decreased precipitation also contribute to an increased frequency and intensity of dust and sand storms.