Dust Storm Expected with Khamsin Depression

2026-05-14

The Meteorology Department at the Upper Euphrates Center for Sustainable Development Research, University of Anbar, announced the possibility of a dust storm with winds exceeding 60 km/h, associated with a Khamsin depression, affecting Iraq on Friday and Saturday, May 15-16, 2026.

Assistant Professor Dr. Ahmed Jassam Mukhlif, Head of Satellite Meteorology, stated that numerical models indicate a sandstorm will begin Friday afternoon in the Syrian and Jordanian deserts, moving rapidly towards Iraq and northern Arabia. This storm will cause a severe reduction, possibly to near-zero horizontal visibility, accompanied by active wind speeds ranging from 50-60 km/h.

The storm is caused by a northwesterly air mass associated with a Khamsin depression originating from North Africa. Rainfall is unlikely and limited, while the most significant impact will be the dense dust and reduced horizontal visibility.

Area of Impact:

The western regions and Anbar will be most affected by the dust and sandstorms, followed by the central regions (Baghdad and Salah al-Din). The storm will also extend to the southern regions (Basra, Maysan, and Dhi Qar) with a lesser but intermittent impact.

Temperatures:

• Northern Iraq: Mosul 17-21°C, moderate weather.
• Central Iraq: Baghdad 24-31°C, higher temperatures with a direct impact from the dust.
• Southern Iraq: Kuwait and Ahvaz, 28–34°C, high temperatures with dusty conditions.

Recommendations:

• Public Safety: Avoid driving on desert roads, especially in Anbar and on international highways to Syria and Jordan.
• Health: Asthma and allergy sufferers should wear masks and minimize direct exposure to dust.
• Agriculture: Protect crops from dust accumulation and provide additional irrigation to reduce damage.

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