Government offices and banks across parts of Iran were closed on Wednesday as the country battled a scorching heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 F) and straining the nation’s electricity grid.

The shutdown, declared as an official holiday for public sector employees in eight of Iran’s 31 provinces, including the capital Tehran, aimed to reduce electricity consumption and prevent further pressure on the power system. However, private businesses largely remained open, creating a stark contrast between shuttered government buildings and bustling private shops and shopping centers running air conditioners at full capacity.

For many residents, the unexpected holiday provided a temporary respite from the intense heat. With Thursday already part of the traditional weekend in Iran, a mass exodus from Tehran ensued, as travelers headed north toward the Caspian Sea coast. Iranian media reported heavy traffic on roads leading to Mazandaran and Gilan provinces, where cooler temperatures offered relief.

Officials have increasingly turned to such public sector closures to cope with extreme summer heat. Similar measures were implemented in a two-day shutdown in 2023 and a one-day closure in July 2024, as authorities sought to manage the impact of soaring temperatures on electricity demand.

The heat has been particularly severe in southern regions. In Borazjan, for instance, temperatures reached a staggering 50 C (122 F) last Sunday, underscoring the intensity of this year’s heatwave. Authorities continue to urge citizens to remain indoors and stay hydrated as the country endures another sweltering summer. (ILKHA)