ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Several Iraqi provinces announced Sunday a public holiday across government institutions because of a major heatwave, while some others have reduced working hours as temperatures soared above 50 degrees Celsius.

 

Local authorities in Basra, Maysan, Dhi Qar, Wasit, Karbala, Diwaniyah, and Muthanna provinces have enforced the decision.

 

The public holiday will apply to all government employees.

 

Three other provinces, including Diyala, Salahaddin, and Babylon, have reduced working hours until noon.

 

"This decision comes out of concern for the safety of citizens in light of the extremely high temperatures the governorate is experiencing,” according to a statement by Muthana Provincial Council carried by Iraq’s state media.

 

Iraq is enduring a hot summer, with temperatures often exceeding 50°C, worsened by decreasing rainfall, rampant desertification, and frequent dust storms.

 

Rampant desertification has caused frequent dust storms in Iraq, making them common in recent years.

 

According to government data, Iraq experiences over 200 dusty days per year, a number projected to reach 300 by 2050 unless drastic climate action is taken.

 

The United Nations ranks Iraq among the world's five most climate-vulnerable countries.