Spatio-temporal Variation of Weather Systems and their Seasonal Variability in Iraq

This study examines the spatio-temporal fluctuations in the occurrence of weather systems in Iraq by analyzing daily synoptic maps over 20 years (1999-2020). It calculates the frequency of the centers and extensions of weather systems at six meteorological stations (Erbil, Mosul, Baghdad, Rutbah, Nasiriya, and Basrah), which are spread across the country. The analysis was conducted on the temporal fluctuations, which reveals that five weather systems consistently traversed the area (Monsoon low, Siberian high, Red Sea depression, Subtropical high, and Mid-latitude depression), which are spatially distributed over the area of Iraq. Their monthly rates were computed and collected seasonally. Using ArcGIS, maps of the spatial distribution of weather system frequencies were generated. The results showed that monsoon low significantly affects the climate over the majority of the year, namely for 126 days. The highest proportion of this influence is observed in the southern region, particularly during the summer. The occurrence of the Siberian high is more frequent during the winter season, particularly in the northern region, happening approximately 70.24 days per year. The occurrence of Red Sea depression is more frequent in the spring, particularly in the central area, happening on around 59.76 days per year. The occurrence of subtropical highs in the autumn, particularly in the southern region, happens on around 17.66 days per year. Mid-latitude depressions are infrequent, transpiring approximately 7.68 days per year, predominantly in the central area of Iraq.