Severe Weather in Baghdad Governorate

Aims: The current study aimed to investigate the severe weather phenomena in the study area (Baghdad) during the period 2011-2021, including heat and cold waves, dust storms, and thunderstorms, in light of accelerating climate change. It also examined the temporal and spatial patterns of these phenomena and assess their environmental and societal impact. Methodology: A descriptive, quantitative, and analytical approach was adopted to study severe weather phenomena using climate data recorded during the period 2011-2021. The temporal and monthly frequency of these phenomena was analyzed to determine their distribution, severity, and impact on the region. Results: After analyzing all the data, the study revealed a high frequency of severe weather phenomena, with 56 heat waves recorded. The year of 2015 was the highest with 11 waves, while June was the most affected (10 waves). As for cold waves, there were 19 waves, year 2014 being the highest with four waves, and December the most affected (7 waves). The study also recorded 35 dust storms, noticing that the year 2021 have had the highest number of storms with 10, while April and May were the most affected (9 storms each). Dust storms continued for 506 days, and 2021 have had the highest number with 58, July being the most affected month (91 dusty days). Conclusions: The results indicated an increase in extreme weather events in the region, particularly heat waves and dust storms, with varying annual and monthly distributions. Accordingly, the study recommends improving early warning systems, increasing vegetation cover, and taking measures to protect the groups most affected by heat and cold waves.