Iraqi Provinces Suspend or Reduce Working Hours Due to Extreme Heatwave

Iraqi Provinces Suspend or Reduce Working Hours Due to Extreme Heatwave
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Several Iraqi provinces announced the suspension or reduction of official working hours for Sunday, July 27, 2025, due to an intense heatwave sweeping across the country. The provinces of Basra, Maysan, Dhi Qar, Wasit, Karbala, Diwaniyah, and Muthanna have declared a full suspension of official working hours in all government institutions—excluding essential service departments—as temperatures soar to unprecedented levels.

Maysan recorded the highest temperature on Saturday, reaching 52°C, while several other areas saw temperatures hit 50°C. Meanwhile, the provinces of Diyala, Salah al-Din, Babylon, and Muthanna announced reduced and adjusted working hours for Sunday in response to the soaring temperatures.

In a statement to the Iraqi News Agency, Amer al-Jabri, spokesperson for the Meteorological and Seismic Monitoring Authority, stated that temperatures are expected to reach up to 52°C on Sunday, denying rumors of a 65°C forecast. He added that a gradual drop in temperatures is expected beginning Tuesday.

The measures taken by provincial authorities aim to protect employees and citizens amid the severe heatwave affecting wide regions of Iraq, particularly the southern areas.