On Thursday, temperatures reached 49 degrees Celsius in the southern provinces of Basra and Misan, and 48 degrees Celsius in the Zikar region. This was reported as the highest temperature recorded so far in 2025.

Two military cadets died of heatstroke and dehydration at a military academy in Zikar, while several others were hospitalized. The incident occurred on Sunday, and officials described the cadets' prolonged exposure to the sun as “ill-treatment.”

Years of declining rainfall, rising temperatures, and water shortages across the country are making life increasingly difficult for the population of 46 million.

Officials point out that risks are growing, especially in countries such as Iraq, where infrastructure is inadequate to cope with the effects of climate change.

While 2024 stands out as the hottest year on record both on land and at sea, 2025 is expected to continue with record temperatures.