Iran Declares Holiday Amid Heatwave, Urges Water Conservation

Iranian authorities have called on citizens to drastically reduce water usage as the country faces severe shortages exacerbated by a record-breaking heatwave.

Local media reported on Sunday that temperatures have soared past 50°C (122°F) in parts of the country, marking the hottest week of the year so far.

The Iranian Meteorological Organization warned of continuing extreme conditions, particularly in arid southern provinces where water scarcity has long been a crisis.

The crisis prompted Tehran Province to declare a public holiday for Wednesday. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani announced the decision on social media platform X, citing the need to conserve both water and electricity.

“In light of the continued extreme heat and the necessity of conserving water and electricity, Wednesday… has been declared a holiday in Tehran Province,” she stated.

Tehran itself recorded a temperature of 40°C on Sunday, with forecasts predicting a further rise to 41°C on Monday. Authorities have intensified calls for residents to curb water usage to prevent disruptions.

Tehran City Council Chairman Mehdi Chamran, speaking to the ISNA news agency, urged the public to “conserve water to avoid drops in supplies.”

Iran’s water shortages have been attributed to decades of mismanagement, overuse of underground aquifers, and the escalating impact of climate change.

The government continues to face growing public concern over the worsening environmental conditions and lack of long-term solutions.