The Evening Standard (London) April 01, 2003
Allied troops are braced for 40C heatwave
By Harriet Arkell
TEMPERATURES in Iraq are set to soar in the coming weeks, say forecasters, making conditions increasingly difficult for troops, writes Harriet Arkell.
Meteorologists say last week's sandstorms and cool winds, and the recent clear weather, will be replaced by rising humidity and a heatwave forecast for this weekend. The average temperature for April is 29C, but it may reach 40C. Some of the Allies' armoured vehicles have no airconditioning, and heat up like furnaces in the desert sun. If the forces are still fighting at the end of next month, they will face the threat of near-constant sandstorms that may last until early July. Patrick Garrett, of US military think-tank Global Security, said: "Weather is going to play an important role. Heat will slow down operations."
Copyright © 2003, Associated Newspapers Ltd.
