Iran heatwave public holidays
Iran has announced that two days this week will be public holidays because of “unprecedented heat”, with the elderly and people with health conditions advised to stay indoors.
A taxi driver tries to cool down in Tehran. Photo: EPA/ABEDIN ATEHRKENAREH
Many cities in southern Iran have already suffered from days of exceptional heat. State media reported temperatures had this week exceeded 51 Celsius in the southern city of Ahvaz.
Government spokesman Ali Bahadori-Jahromi was quoted by state media as saying Wednesday and Thursday would be holidays, while the health ministry said hospitals would be on high alert.
Temperatures are expected to be 39 C in Tehran on Wednesday.
Heatwaves have affected large parts of the globe in recent weeks, with scientists linking them to human-induced climate change.
The US city of Phoenix, Arizona endured temperatures of 43 degrees throughout all 31 days of July.
-AAP
