Iraqi cities are experiencing "hot to extremely hot" conditions across all regions, with the Iraq Meteorological Organisation forecasting that seven provinces will exceed 52°C (125.6°F) on August 15, reaching "half the boiling point," 964 Network reported.

According to local weather reports, the skies will be clear and hot with some cloud formation in central and southern regions. Winds will be moderate north-westerly, becoming more active during the daytime and causing dust to rise in central and southern areas, with temperatures climbing through the day.

Temperatures will range between 44°C and 52°C (111°F-126°F) across the country. Current conditions show clear skies with scattered clouds appearing in some southern areas, with temperatures remaining close to August 14 levels.

Seven provinces will experience the most intense heat on Friday: Najaf, Wasit, Diwaniyah and Muthanna will reach 50°C (122°F), whilst Dhi Qar and Maysan will hit 51°C (124°F), and Basra will reach 52°C (126°F).

Other major cities will record high temperatures including Sulaymaniyah at 44°C (111°F), Dohuk 45°C (113°F), Erbil and Anbar 47°C (117°F), and Nineveh 48°C (118°F).

According to official estimates, Baghdad, Kirkuk, Diyala, Saladin and Babylon will hit at least 49°C (120°F). However, independent weather forecasters have said the heat dome over the Persian Gulf region could see numbers far exceeding the government figures. 

"At the beginning or middle of next week, the hot air mass will gradually withdraw from Iraq's atmosphere, to be replaced by the influence of a cooler air mass coming from the eastern Mediterranean basin, bringing with it a drop in temperatures, and the weather returning to normal summer conditions," the General Authority for Meteorology and Seismic Monitoring confirmed.

Extreme temperatures across the Persian Gulf region have also affected cross-border electricity supplies. Iran’s state national grid company, Tavanir, reports increased demand halting supplies across the border to Iraq as air conditioning units continue to strain regional power grids. 

Tavanir confirmed on August 14 that it has completely stopped electricity exports to Iraq to meet rising domestic demand, Al-Sumaria News reported.

Iran's electricity exports have declined significantly in recent months to one-fifth of the country's imports.

"Iran is working on all possible means to increase its electricity imports whilst simultaneously reducing exports to neighbouring countries," the company said, adding that "a large part of the country's electricity exports previously directed to Iraq under international contracts has completely stopped these days."

The company stated that electricity exports to Afghanistan continue, but the volumes are not large compared to other export contracts, with Iran importing 400 megawatts last night and exporting only 80 megawatts.

Tavanir uses four transmission lines to supply Iraq with approximately 1,000 megawatts (MW) daily under a contract with Iraq's Ministry of Electricity. Iraq also depends heavily on Iranian natural gas supplies for power generation plants.

Estimates indicate Iraq relies on Iranian gas and electricity supplies for more than 50% of its total energy consumption. The country has faced difficulty obtaining exemptions from US sanctions imposed on Iran to meet rising domestic electricity demand.