Spatiotemporal Assessment of Wind Speed, Relative Humidity, and Dew Point Temperature over Iraq during 1980–2023 under Climate Change

Abstract

This study analyzed annual data for wind speed, direction, relativehumidity, and dew point temperature in selected Iraqi governorates for the period 1980–2023, using an annual average set from the European Centre for Medium-RangeWeather Forecasts (ECMWF). The data were processed using Grid Analysis and DisplaySystem (GrADS) simulation software, network rendering software, and Sigma Plotsoftware. A wind speed and direction chart were created to represent the frequency andintensity of wind directions across different regions, allowing for an understanding ofthe changing behavior over the study period. The results showed that northwesterlywinds are dominant across most of Iraq, although wind speed exhibits significant spatialvariation between the northern, central, and southern regions. Furthermore, the analysisrevealed a strong positive correlation between relative humidity and dew pointtemperature, both of which are influenced by atmospheric water vapor content. Thesefindings highlight the importance of incorporating humidity and dew point variables intowind speed assessments, which could improve our understanding of regionalatmospheric circulation and provide valuable insights for renewable energy planning andclimate studies in Iraq..