Iran Responds to Heatwave Crisis: Public Holiday Amidst Soaring Temperatures

As the mercury soared to unprecedented heights in Iran, the government declared a two-day public holiday, a move that underscored the severity of the heatwave sweeping across the country. The decision, prompted by what was described as an “unprecedented” heatwave, saw governmental offices, banks, and schools closing their doors in an effort to protect public health.

Two Day Public Holiday in Iran

The heat in Iran, a country known for its hot climate, reached new records, with temperatures in many cities forecasted to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Some cities, including Ilam, Bushehr, and Khuzestan, experienced temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius. The city of Dehloran recorded the highest temperature of 50 degrees Celsius in the past 24 hours.

The southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan was among the hardest hit by the heatwave. Around 1,000 people received hospital treatment due to rising temperatures and dust storms. Water shortages in the region led to protests over restricted water flow from an upstream dam in Afghanistan.

The health ministry warned of the risks of heatstroke and urged people to stay indoors between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. The recent days have seen an alarming number of heat-related illnesses. In June, summer working hours for government employees were changed to save electricity.

The heatwave in Iran is a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to climate change and the rise in global temperatures. Extreme dry spells and heatwaves have plagued the country for years and are expected to worsen. The country has experienced repeated droughts and regular flooding, making it one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world.

Global Warming?

The current heatwave is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of rising temperatures across the globe. This year has already seen heat records broken across the globe, with devastating consequences. Earth experienced its hottest day in modern history on July 4th, when the average global temperature reached 17.18 degrees Celsius (62.9 degrees Fahrenheit).

The situation in Iran is a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action on climate change. As countries around the world grapple with the impacts of rising temperatures, the heat in Iran serves as a warning of what could become a new normal if decisive action is not taken.