TEHRAN: A severe heat wave has led Iranian authorities to implement emergency measures, including closing government offices, banks, and public institutions on Sunday. The extreme temperatures have pushed Iran to record levels of electricity consumption, prompting concerns about public health and energy conservation.
On Saturday, temperatures in Tehran ranged between 37°C (98.6°F) and 42°C (107°F), according to weather reports. The situation has been exacerbated by soaring electricity usage, which reached a historic high of 78,106 megawatts on Tuesday. The record-breaking temperatures have forced authorities to take decisive action to protect the health of citizens and manage energy demands.
State-run IRNA news agency reported that all government and commercial institutions will be closed on Sunday, with the exception of emergency services and medical agencies. The closure is intended to mitigate the adverse effects of the heat wave on public health and to conserve energy amid the ongoing heat.
In addition to Sunday’s closures, many provinces had their working hours reduced on Saturday due to the intense heat. Tehran, in particular, has been experiencing temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) since Friday. Iranian media outlets have advised people to stay indoors and avoid going out until after 5 p.m. local time to minimize heat-related health risks.
Nournews, a news outlet affiliated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, reported that Iran’s temperature is rising at twice the rate of the global average. Over the past 50 years, Iran’s temperatures have increased by approximately 2°C, compared to a global average rise of more than 1°C.
The severe weather conditions are part of a broader pattern of increasing temperatures. Last year, Iran also faced extreme heat, leading to a two-day nationwide holiday to manage the effects of the rising temperatures.
