Iraq Suspends Work as Scorching Temperatures Soar Above 50°C

Iraq Shuts Down Government Operations as Temperatures Soar Beyond 52°C

Iraqi authorities suspended official working hours across multiple provinces on Sunday as an unprecedented heatwave pushed temperatures above 52°C (125°F) in some regions, including the capital Baghdad. The extreme weather coincides with a sharp decline in electricity production due to halted Iranian gas supplies, creating a perfect storm of infrastructure stress that highlights Iraq's vulnerability to climate extremes and energy dependency.

Heatwave Reaches Dangerous Levels Across the Country

Amer al-Jabri, spokesperson for Iraq's meteorological authority, confirmed that the current heatwave will persist until Tuesday before temperatures begin to gradually decline. Ten Iraqi provinces, primarily in the central and southern regions, recorded temperatures between 50-52°C, while northern provinces experienced slightly cooler but still extreme conditions of 44-49°C.

Officials warned that Sunday represents the peak of the hot air mass, significantly increasing the danger of direct sun exposure and intensifying ultraviolet radiation levels. Citizens have been advised to avoid outdoor activities during midday hours.

Regional Context: Iraq's Growing Climate Challenge

This heatwave reflects a broader pattern of intensifying extreme weather across the Middle East. Iraq has experienced increasingly severe summers in recent years, with temperatures regularly exceeding 50°C during peak season. The country ranks among the world's most vulnerable to climate change impacts, according to UN assessments, facing desertification, water scarcity, and infrastructure strain.

Energy Crisis Compounds Weather Emergency

The timing of this heatwave proves particularly challenging as Iraq grapples with a severe electricity shortage. Iranian gas supply disruptions have forced a sharp reduction in power generation capacity, leaving electricity plants unable to meet surging demand for air conditioning and cooling systems.

Power outages affect most areas across the country, creating dangerous conditions for vulnerable populations during peak heat hours. This energy-weather nexus demonstrates Iraq's precarious position: heavily dependent on Iranian energy imports while facing escalating climate pressures.

Economic and Social Implications

The government shutdown of official operations signals recognition that extreme heat poses genuine public health risks. However, this response also highlights institutional limitations in managing climate adaptation. Unlike Gulf neighbors such as the UAE or Saudi Arabia, which have invested heavily in climate-resilient infrastructure and diversified energy sources, Iraq's aging power grid and limited cooling capacity leave it exposed to weather-related disruptions.

Infrastructure Vulnerability Exposed

Iraq's current predicament illustrates the compound risks facing developing nations with aging infrastructure amid accelerating climate change. The simultaneous occurrence of extreme heat and energy shortages creates cascading effects: reduced economic productivity, increased health risks, and potential social unrest.

This crisis may accelerate discussions about energy independence and climate resilience in Iraqi policy circles. The country's vast oil reserves provide potential resources for infrastructure investment, but political instability and competing priorities have historically limited long-term planning capacity.

As temperatures are expected to decrease after Tuesday, the immediate crisis may pass, but the underlying vulnerabilities remain. Iraq's experience serves as a preview of challenges facing other resource-rich but infrastructure-poor nations as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.