Deadly flash floods hit northern Iraq on Saturday as severe thunderstorms swept across the region, including parts of neighbouring Iran.
Iraq: Flood Damage and Fatalities
The city of Erbil was particularly badly affected, with extensive damage reported to homes and businesses. Streets were inundated after torrential rain fell over a short period.
Rainfall exceeded forecast levels—approximately 80mm was recorded in Erbil compared to an expected 30mm—and two people died as a result of the flooding.
Europe: Storm Bruna Impacts Portugal
In Europe, Storm Bruna is forecast to bring strong winds to Portugal this week, especially along its western coast. Gusts are expected to reach up to 50mph (80km/h), accompanied by heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
The total precipitation could amount to 200mm by the end of the week. The storm has already impacted the Canary Islands, where Tenerife recorded gusts of 80mph on Saturday night.
Japan: Snowfall and Cold Temperatures
Japan experienced a cold and snowy period at the end of last week, with additional snowfall anticipated in Hokkaido and mountainous regions across Honshu.
Temperatures are forecasted to fall below seasonal averages early this week. Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido prefecture, is expected to drop to about 10C below average. Maximum temperatures will likely range between 4–6C on Monday and Wednesday, while Tuesday’s high is projected around 0C. Minimum temperatures could reach -6C by Wednesday and as low as -8C in western parts of Hokkaido on Tuesday.
Ski resorts are preparing for visitors following snowfall that began Friday. Total snow accumulation is expected to reach 30–50cm at Kiroro and Niesko, with approximately 20–30cm predicted in Furano, Rusutsu, and Sapporo. Other ski areas may receive up to 20cm by Wednesday.
Strong winds accompanied the snowfall on Friday and over the weekend, reaching about 75mph in Kiroko and Niesko.