Iraq heat wave sends temperatures up to 124 degrees Fahrenheit
BAGHDAD- Iraqis on Wednesday endured the hottest day so far this year, with temperatures soaring up to 124 degrees Fahrenheit in Baghdad and as much as 127 Fahrenheit in the southern part of the country.
The government has given its workers Wednesday and Thursday off because of the heat wave, which is expected to break on Sunday. Friday and Saturday are the weekend in Iraq as in most Arab countries.
Iraq's summers are known for their merciless heat, but the government's chief weather forecaster Hassan Abdul-Karim said this week's highs were well above average for this time of year. A similarly unforgiving heat wave was expected next month, he told The Associated Press.
