TEHRAN: A severe heatwave gripping the country has prompted the Iranian government to close banks and public institutions on Sunday, in a bid to protect citizens’ health and conserve energy. The official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that emergency and relief agencies will remain operational.
The heatwave, which has ravaged Iran since Friday, has sent temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F) in the capital Tehran. To mitigate its effects, working hours were reduced by half on Saturday.
The extreme weather is expected to persist for the next four days, forcing the government to take drastic measures to ensure public safety and prevent energy shortages. The shutdown on Sunday aims to minimize the risks associated with the heatwave and reduce the strain on the country’s energy resources.