It really is this hot in Iraq right now. Here's why

Not to get too technical, but it is currently really, really hot in Iraq.

The heatwave has been building as temperatures have been soaring in the Middle East in recent weeks.

The readings aren't wrong, and what is perhaps most staggering is what the heat feels like.

Using the American heat index formula, the feels-like temperature (meaning the combination of temperature and humidity to estimate what the air feels like to humans) was clocked at 70C in south-west Iran, which is also experiencing a heatwave.

The heatwave has led to an emergency, mandatory four-day holiday in Iraq beginning July 30, during which period the government has urged residents to stay out of the sun and drink plenty of water.

(Picture: Getty)

However, for many of the more than 3million Iraqis displaced by violent conflict, that poses a dilemma.

Electricity and water cuts make heatwaves like this even harder to contend with.

Earlier this month in Basra, protesters met with police as they demonstrated for more reliable utilities, resulting in the death of one person.

(Picture: Getty)

Iraq had its hottest day in 2011, when 53.0C was recorded in Nasiriyah.

More:The third Iraq War in four graphics

More:10 easy ways you can help to stop climate change, starting today