Heatwaves, electricity crisis force Iran government to declare national holiday, President Ebrahim Raisi comes under fire

The government of Iran declared a national holiday on Tuesday and indicated later that it may further be extended. Friday is the weekend in Iran, the national holiday may be extended to Saturday, the first working day afterward, according to reports.

Iran Heatwave Triggers National Holiday

The national holiday was declared after the Ministry of Health asked the government to do so for giving the citizens relief from the sweltering heat and rising temperatures. Besides the government offices, banks, financial institutions, and most private businesses have put down the shutters.

Iran Heatwave: Not Unexpected

The weather experts have said that though the temperatures have been rising in the sweltering heat, these are not unexpected. The mercury has been soaring and touching new heights for quite some time.

Iran Heatwave Causes Rising Temperatures

Tehran’s average temperature in the month of August has been 36 degrees Celsius or 97 degrees Fahrenheit. But the highest temperature has been recorded at 42 degrees Celsius or 108 degrees Fahrenheit. The mercury touched 37 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and it is most likely to go to 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday.

Iran Heatwaves In Sistan and Baluchestan

According to the media reports, some provinces like Sistan and Baluchestan recorded as high as 45 degrees Celsius temperature last month.

Iran Heatwave and Electricity Crisis

Some experts believe that the national holiday has been declared due to a shortage of electricity and the consequent outages in several parts of the country. The electricity crisis has resulted due to mismanagement and the consequent shortage of water. The government has denied any connection between the national holiday and the shortage of electricity.

Iran Heatwave: Government Under Fire

President Ebrahim Raisi is facing severe criticism due to a shortage of electricity. The earlier government of President Hassan Rouhani was severely lambasted for his failure to manage the electricity crisis.

FAQs:

Q1. What is the average temperature in Iran and how has it gone up?
A1. Tehran’s average temperature in the month of August has been 36 degrees Celsius or 97 degrees Fahrenheit. But the highest temperature has been recorded at 42 degrees Celsius or 108 degrees Fahrenheit. The mercury touched 37 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and it is most likely to go to 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday.

Q2. Is there any relation between the heatwave and the electricity crisis?
A2. Some experts believe that the national holiday has been declared due to a shortage of electricity and the consequent outages in several parts of the country. The electricity crisis has resulted due to mismanagement and the consequent shortage of water. The government has denied any connection between the national holiday and the shortage of electricity.