WANA (AUG 2) – Scorching heat waves are sweeping across Iran, turning the country into a sizzling pot where even the most sun-loving souls find themselves seeking solace in the shade. As temperatures skyrocket and the mercury climbs to jaw-dropping heights, Iran embraces a new definition of hot.

 

Because of its diverse geography and vast size, Iran’s weather conditions vary from place to place and from time to time,

 

Yet one non-changing fact is that Iran always has shockingly hot summers.

 

 

Yesterday, August 1, due to the record-breaking heat, the Cabinet of the Islamic Republic approved the Ministry of Health’s proposal to declare tomorrow and the day after that -Wednesday and Thursday, August 2-3 as official days off across the country to safeguard the public’s well-being.

 

The temperature has been declared unprecedented in recent days. The Meteorological Organization predicted that the temperature would be warmer on Wednesday and Thursday, and there is a possibility that the temperature will reach 40 degrees.

 

“I have never experienced such heat in Tehran.” Said Mr. Mahmoodi, A store owner in Teharan’s Bazar.

 

Bahram Ainullahi, Minister of Health, announced that, unfortunately, this year, we have faced an exceptional heat that can be harmful when it rises above 40 degrees. This issue is hazardous for elderly people, people with underlying diseases, and children.

Tourists walk in a street during the heat surge in Tehran, Iran August 2, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Tourists walk in a street during the heat surge in Tehran, Iran August 2, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

This official has announced that according to the forecast of the Meteorological Organization, we expect the temperature to rise over the weekend; that’s why we proposed a shutdown to the government board, and they approved it.

 

As part of the shutdown measures, banks, schools, academic institutions, offices, shopping malls, and other non-essential establishments will be closed.

 

Ambulances have been on standby in the important center of Tehran to help people with possible heatstrokes. ” The reason for our presence in the streets is the severe heat that has been exceptional in the past years. Because of this, Tehran’s Emergency Department has provided services for the citizens who might have heatstrokes.

 

“On Wednesday and Thursday, all state-owned and privately owned institutions and organs are officially shut down,” Bahadori Jahromy, The government spokesman, announced in a telephone interview with Iranian local TV channel. He also asked citizens -especially the sensitive group- not to even leave their houses during the hot hours. 

An Iranian taxi driver splashes water on himself to cool down during the heat surge in Tehran, Iran August 2, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

An Iranian taxi driver splashes water on himself to cool down during the heat surge in Tehran, Iran August 2, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

More Info on Iran’s Geographical Conditions

Generally, Iran, with a population of 87,184,686, experience a mix of continental, Mediterranean, and subtropical climates due to the country’s size and topographical diversity.

 

The warmest part of Iran is the south region; the capital of the Khuzestan province of Iran, Ahvaz, has a population of around 1.3 million people and has been ranked as the third hottest place on the earth by BBC Focus Magazine.

 

Based on the data from the National Center for Climate and Drought Crisis Management, this year’s severe heat surge has encompassed many provinces of Iran, including Tehran, Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan, Sistan Baluchistan, Isfahan, Yazd, Kerman, and Bushehr.

WANA writer /  S, Khezri / Aug 2nd, 2023