Government offices and banks throughout Iran were to remain closed on July 28 to avoid overtaxing power networks amid "extreme and unprecedented heat," which prompted similar shutdowns earlier this week, officials said. Temperatures reached nearly 50 degrees Celsius in the southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan Province and in the central Yadz Province, and were above 45 degrees in at least 10 provinces. The heatwave struck on July 24 before easing slightly, but the government ordered shortened working hours from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at all government centers on July 27 after the Energy Ministry predicted "difficult conditions" for electricity production and supply. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, click here.
In Iran, Record Heat Shutters Government Offices And Banks
An Iranian man eats a popsicle amid soaring temperatures in many parts of the country.