Current Weather in Karbala

The climate culture and weather consciousness in Iraq are closely intertwined with the natural environment brought about by dryness and high temperatures, and the life knowledge cultivated throughout a long history.

Impact of Dry and Short Rainy Seasons

Climate Characteristics and Lifestyle Adaptation

• Dry Season (May to October) is characterized by very high temperatures and almost no precipitation, making the securing of water resources the most crucial issue for survival.
• Rainy Season (November to April) brings concentrated rainfall over a short period, providing moisture for crops and oases.
• Traditional water storage tanks (Marsjafa) are inspected and repaired in accordance with the timing of rainfall to prevent waste of water.

Religious Events and Climate Awareness

Timing of Festivals and Fasting

• The Ramadan (month of fasting) based on the Islamic calendar reinforces community awareness to cope with the severe heat during the day.
• Eid al-Fitr (celebration marking the end of fasting) and Eid al-Adha (festival of sacrifice) are situated at the end of the rainy season and before the dry season, where gratitude and prayers for the climate are expressed.

Irrigation and Agricultural Culture

Utilization of Weather Information

• Traditionally, irrigation systems that utilize river water and groundwater have developed, with rainfall forecasts serving as the foundation for agricultural planning.
• In modern times, weather forecasting services are utilized to optimize sowing and harvesting times and to deal with drought measures.

Urban Life and Weather Adaptation

Daily Inventions

• There is an established lifestyle rhythm recommending going out after sunset to avoid high temperatures during the day.
• Traditional urban designs alleviate heat through the use of white or light-colored building materials and the creation of shade with narrow alleys.

Disaster Preparedness and Community Cooperation

Preparedness for Floods and Sandstorms

• Responses to unexpected flooding from heavy rainfall and sandstorms (Hamsin) in the dry season are required, and information-sharing networks have been formed by region.
• Disaster prevention training at schools and mosques, as well as systems for announcing sandstorm warnings, have been established.

Summary

Iraq's weather consciousness has been cultivated through the integration of religion, agriculture, urban life, and disaster prevention against the backdrop of coexisting with a harsh natural environment.