Iranian authorities have announced that Wednesday and Thursday of this week will be designated as public holidays in response to an “unprecedented heat” wave, cautioning elderly individuals and those with health conditions to remain indoors, as reported by Iranian state media.
Numerous cities in southern Iran have already experienced days of extreme heat, with state media indicating temperatures exceeding 123 degrees Fahrenheit (51 degrees Celsius) in the southern city of Ahvaz.
Government spokesman Ali Bahadori-Jahromi conveyed through state media that Wednesday and Thursday would be designated as holidays, and the health ministry issued an alert for heightened readiness in hospitals.
On Wednesday, Tehran is expected to reach a scorching 39 degrees Celsius.
Heatwaves have been impacting significant parts of the world in recent weeks, with scientists linking them to human-induced climate change.