Snowfall in Iraq, much less Baghdad, is a rare weather event. As the snow fell in Baghdad today, voices from the U.S. political extremes asked questions of global warming
On January 11, 2008, snow fell in Baghdad, Iraq. This is said to be the first time in over 100 years that snow has been recorded in Baghdad (MSN, 2008). Snow does fall in the northern mountains of Iraq but is rare in Baghdad.
The climate of Iraq can be compared to the climate of the southwestern United States or west Texas, with dry hot summers and cooler winters (NOAA, 2008). Areas of Iraq are designated desert because of the extreme lack of precipitation. The average rainfall in Iraq, overall, is between 4-7 inches a year, with most of the precipitation falling between November and April. The average precipitation of Southern Iraq is 1.5 inches per year. The mountainous regions of Northern Iraq receive 12 – 24 inches per year.
The Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Iraq can cause large amounts of fog during the winter months, closing airports and roads. Today the airport was closed because of low visibility, due to fog.
The average monthly low temperature for Baghdad in January is 38 degrees F, with the coldest ever recorded temperature at 25 degrees F. Now, although snow is rare, considering this climate data, it isn’t a far reach to realize that Baghdad could get snow.
The event has sparked yet another debate over the global warming topic between liberal radicals and conservative diehards. I think both sides need to relax and realize that extreme weather happens, whether or not it’s due to global warming. Climate change is happening, with or without politics. Climate change has been happening since the world was first created. Relax and let the Iraqs enjoy this wonderful weather phenomenon. When snowfall in Baghdad becomes an annual event, then we'll talk!
