Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, June 18

BAGHDAD -- A heatwave is hitting Iraq as several provinces witnessed a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, the Iraqi Meteorological Organization and Seismology said in a statement.

The hottest temperature, 51 degrees Celsius, was recorded in Dhi Qar province, while the provinces of Maysan, Basra, and Muthanna recorded 50 degrees Celsius, according to the statement. (Iraq-Climate-Extreme Heat)

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