Iran commenced a two-day nationwide shutdown on Wednesday due to soaring temperatures, following a warning from the health ministry about a potential rise in heat exhaustion cases.
Government spokesman Ali Bahadori Jahromi announced on Tuesday that “unprecedented heat” had necessitated the closure of governmental offices, banks, and schools, as reported by the state-owned Islamic Republic News Agency. The shutdown will span the working days of Wednesday and Thursday.
State media quoted the health ministry, stating that all medical centers nationwide would be on alert to treat those affected by the heatwave.
Government offices, banks, and schools closed due to unprecedented heat across Iran.The ministry also cautioned that the shutdown might need to be extended to safeguard public health.
Recently, numerous Iranian cities and towns have experienced temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), with the oil-rich southwestern city of Ahvaz reaching 50 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the capital city, Tehran, recorded temperatures of 39 degrees Celsius.
This two-day shutdown coincides with extreme heatwaves globally, with July on track to become the hottest month in history.
Iran is also grappling with severe water scarcity, having faced a widespread drought for over two years.
In late May, Iranian and Afghan border guards engaged in heavy gunfire amid rising tensions over regional water supplies. Additionally, protests erupted in 2021 over water shortages in the Khuzestan province.