A severe heatwave in Iran prompted a government-ordered shutdown on Wednesday in several provinces, including the capital Tehran. With temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F), public offices and banks were closed in an effort to reduce the strain on the country’s power grid. The closure affected eight of Iran’s 31 provinces and aimed to conserve electricity during the extreme weather conditions.
Despite the shutdown, many private businesses, such as shops and malls, continued operating. While government buildings were left silent, commercial areas still buzzed with activity, especially with air conditioners working hard to cool the indoor spaces. This created a visible divide between the halted public sector and the ongoing business of daily life in the private sector.
Tehran Residents Escape Heatwave By Heading North During Extended Holiday Break
For many Tehran residents, the sudden mid-week holiday provided a welcome opportunity to escape the stifling city heat. With Thursday already part of Iran’s traditional weekend, people used the extended break to travel north toward cooler regions along the Caspian Sea. Local media reported heavy traffic on roads leading to the Mazandaran and Gilan provinces as families sought refuge in milder climates.
This isn’t the first time Iran has resorted to such measures to cope with extreme summer temperatures. Similar shutdowns were implemented in 2023 and again in July 2024, as the country grapples with recurring heatwaves that stress both its infrastructure and population.
Some southern areas, such as Borazjan, experienced even more extreme temperatures, with the mercury reaching a dangerous 50°C (122°F), highlighting the severity of the situation across the nation.
