'Military Report on The Anglo-Iranian Oil Company's (South Iranian) Oilfield Area' [‎9r] (24/150)

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CHAPTER II.
Climate.
J he climate of the area, with the exception of the marshv
localities of Fallahieh (Shadgan) and Hawizeh (Havizeh), is on
the whole healthy and can be compared favourably with that of
Iraq. Of all districts possibly Ahwaz is the most salubrious,
having a moderately dry climate with cool nights in the summer ;
during the Great \\ ar casualties from sickness amongst troops
stationed there were very slight. Despite the rise in height,
there is little difference in maximum temperatures between
the hills and plains, though there is an appreciable difference up
to 10 in minimum temperatures. The heat in the summer in
the marshy districts is almost intolerable, while mosquitoes
abound to such an extent that even natives take refuge inside
nets.
l he winter.
wmen may be reckoned from the beginning
of November to the end of February, is ideal. Rain falls in
December and continues intermittently until the end of March,
vith usually a break in February, which divides the rainy
season into first and second rains. The average annual rainfall
is 12 to 15 inches in the hills, decreasing to about half that
amount in the plains. Cold north-west winds are a feature in
the hills, but do not necessitate anything more than normal
wirtter scale of clothing and bedding.
During the hot weather the rays of the sun are extremely
fierce and the whole land becomes parched. The hottest
months of the year are June, July and August. Manimum
*mpor.*4,nrew however rarely f;tL ud 120 n while night tempe-
^s-kuvs drop ati low aw sO-mid spl4etrr-reat>fe-0O- 0 . Until the end
of duly a strong north-west wind is experienced, moderately
cool till June, after which it becomes hot by day but keeps down
the temperature by night. In places where it comes off a sandy
desert, as is the case along the Kanin after roughly the first 50
miles from Mohammerah (Khorramshahr), the dust carried bv
it is very irritating to the exposed parts of the body. During
August and September and sometimes as late as the middle
of October, damp south-east winds are prevalent. They are
most trying to endure and unhealthy, bringing with them
mosquitoes from the marshes, and as a result malaria. Mos
quito nets during these months are essential.
Lack of water and extreme heat make operations, at any
distance from the Ivarun river or the regular water supply system
of the oilfields, impossible from June to September.