Weather Expert: First Snowfall Expected Soon as Severe Winter Approaches
Meteorologists warn that this December will mark the beginning of one of the harshest winters in recent years, with heavy snow, hail, and strong cold waves. Groundwater levels and dried wells are expected to recover as rainfall and snowfall increase significantly.
The Iraqi government expects the 2026 budget revenues to be close to this year’s 200 trillion dinars. Despite an annual deficit exceeding 60 trillion dinars, revenues are expected to cover salaries, services, and investment spending.
The number of appeals filed against the final election results has risen to 80, including 36 appeals submitted today alone. The appeals follow the commission’s announcement of the final results on November 17.
The Iraqi Ministry of Health says medicine labeling has increased from 30% to 70% within two years through 1.6 billion health stickers. The ministry aims to reach a full 100% labeling rate to regulate the pharmaceutical market and prevent price manipulation.
SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazlum Abdi said they no longer need war and have chosen dialogue as their main approach, emphasizing peaceful solutions to Syria’s crises. He called on neighboring countries to support the March 10 agreement, which he says prevented a major conflict with Damascus.
New generation movement MP Akbar Gharib warned of severe environmental and health risks caused by toxic waste and unregulated factories near major water sources. He also accused the government of cutting payments for low-income hospital workers through companies linked to political parties.
The outgoing government has transferred 120 billion dinars in non-oil revenues for September to Baghdad. The amount has been officially deposited into the federal Ministry of Finance’s bank account.
Baghdad is set to receive 120 billion dinars from the KRG as part of September’s domestic revenue. Sudani stresses that payments for November and December depend on a final agreement over non-oil revenues.
Iraq plans to halt gas exports by 2028 and attract $100 billion in Gulf investment under new economic reforms. Sudani says the government will combat poverty and corruption while strengthening ties with the Kurdistan Region and international partners.
Sudani said Iraq needs a constitutional timeframe to form the next government and will open dialogue with all parties to protect their rights. He affirmed that Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region are resolving remaining technical issues and that the Region’s needs will be treated equally to all Iraqi provinces.
Rebaz Hamlan says Baghdad will send the September payment soon but wants to resolve all four remaining payments of the year at once. He confirmed that the issue will be finalized in coordination with Prime Minister Sudani.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani arrived in the Kurdistan Region to attend the Middle East Peace and Security Conference. The event brings together Iraqi and international figures to discuss political and security developments.
The Iraqi Cabinet approved payments for ballot box and reserve employees, ranging from 100,000 to 400,000 dinars. Bank card requirements have been removed, and payments will be distributed through banks
The Zet–Darajik International Gateway in Sherwan Mazen has been closed due to a technical problem on the Turkish side. Management apologized to travelers and said the crossing will reopen once the issue is resolved.
Prime Minister Sudani phoned Sirwa Abdulwahid to discuss election results and inquire about Shaswar Abdulwahid’s condition after five months of detention. He emphasized the need for political cooperation to form the new government.
Nechirvan Barzani expressed hope that Iraq and the Kurdistan Region will enter a new and better phase following the parliamentary elections. His meeting with the Italian Ambassador focused on the political process and efforts to form the next cabinet.
Cloudy to partly cloudy weather is expected today and tomorrow across the Kurdistan Region, with slight temperature changes. Fog is possible early tomorrow, especially in mountainous areas.
The Election Commission will announce the final results of the parliamentary elections today after confirming a 100% match between manual and electronic counts. The appeals period will open for three days once results are published.
Iraqi military intelligence has foiled an attempt to smuggle 22,000 narcotic pills into Anbar province using a balloon. The drugs were seized in the Karma area and handed over to the Counter-Narcotics Directorate.
More than 10,000 people visited Sulaimanyah Children’s Hospital in 15 days due to a seasonal epidemic, with over 1,500 children admitted. The hospital confirms the outbreak is not dangerous and no child deaths have been recorded.
The Iraqi Election Commission will announce the final parliamentary election results today or tomorrow, confirming a 100% match with manual counting. Parties will have three days to submit appeals after publication.
Heavy rains in Zakho caused flooding that damaged several homes, according to residents. More than 20 mm of rain fell in just 12 hours, with locals criticizing the lack of preventive measures.
The UK government plans to cancel housing and weekly allowances for migrants who violate regulations and refuse to work. The Home Secretary will outline the new stricter measures as the number of asylum approvals is expected to reach 110,000 by 2025.
Rainfall amounts in the Kurdistan Region have decreased this year, with Sulaimanyah recording 36.6 mm compared to much higher levels last year. The highest rainfall in the past 24 hours was in Sarwchawa with 64.1 mm, while several areas recorded very low amounts.
The Iraqi government is expected to begin distributing November salaries at the end of this week or early next week. Salary payments to the Kurdistan Region are also expected next week, pending the delivery of 120 billion dinars in non-oil revenues for September.
Iraq’s Minister of Water Resources says this year’s rainfall outlook is promising after several years of drought. He expects strong rains this season and a positive first quarter of next year.
The Iraqi Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) announced that it has received a total of 102 complaints regarding both general and special voting days. Most complaints were classified as “yellow,” meaning they do not meet requirements and will not impact the election results.
Iraq is introducing a barcode system to protect consumers and ensure product quality. The program, starting November 15, 2025, will initially cover major electrical appliances.
The KDP’s Hoshyar Zebari says Iraq’s complex post-election landscape may delay forming the next government. He notes that while complications could slow negotiations, they might also push parties toward quicker agreements.
The Iraqi Prime Minister will visit the Kurdistan Region this week to discuss government formation and unresolved issues between Erbil and Baghdad, including salaries. His visit comes amid political competition among Shiite parties over the next prime ministerial post.