Iraq Declares Thursday a Holiday

By John Lee.

The Iraqi government has declared an official holiday on Thursday due to the continuing heatwave affecting the country.

The Daily Mail reports that several provinces have reported temperatures above 50C (122F), causing particular difficulties for people who are fasting during the long daylight hours in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The Eid al-Fitr holiday is due to start by Saturday, and Friday is the weekend in Iraq.

(Source: Daily Mail)

(Heatwave image via Shutterstock)