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A powerful sandstorm is affecting the country
2026-05-03
The Meteorology Department at the Upper Euphrates Center for Sustainable Development Research - University of Anbar announced the latest weather updates. Dr. Ahmed Jassam Mukhlif stated that the European model indicates a powerful sandstorm will affect the country in the coming hours, beginning in the western region. This will be accompanied by strong winds and gusts that may exceed 70 km/h in some areas, often leading to:
A sharp decrease in horizontal visibility due to dust and sandstorms:
Particularly in open areas, with the possibility of muddy or thundery rain in areas near the center of the low-pressure system (Al-Qaim, Mosul), this is due to a drop in atmospheric pressure to 998 millibars and a clash between cold air masses from Europe and Turkey and warm air masses from the Arabian Peninsula. This creates a state of extreme atmospheric instability, leading to extremely high wind speeds circling the low-pressure center. Since these winds move over vast desert areas (the Syrian Desert, northern Saudi Arabia, and western Iraq), they encounter insufficient natural obstacles (such as dense forests) to reduce their speed, causing gusts to reach record levels and carrying heavy dust and desert sand.
Recommendations:
In the event of the storm, stay indoors and keep windows tightly closed. Wear masks if you must go out. Following this low-pressure system, polar winds will cause a sharp and sudden drop in temperatures, transforming the atmosphere from dusty and warm to decidedly wintry. Snowfall is expected in the high mountain areas of northern Iraq, a rare occurrence for this time of year, necessitating a return to winter clothing, especially at night.
Allah knows best. Allah grant success and guidance.
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