Heat wave holiday declared

Photo: Twitter

Iraq's Council of Ministers has declared a four-day mandatory holiday beginning Thursday as temperatures are set to soar above 50 C (123 F).

The statement, delivered on state-run Iraqiyya TV, is the second heat advisory issued by the Iraqi government this month.

High summer temperatures are standard in Iraq, but widespread power and water cuts complicate everyday life when the temperatures soar.

Residents are typically advised to limit any outdoor activities for the duration of the heat wave.