Iran on Tuesday proclaimed a two-day holiday for government workers and banks nationwide as blistering temperatures sweep throughout the country.
The decision was made in response to the meteorological office’s projection of temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in numerous urban areas, and approaching 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in the southwestern region.
“The cabinet agreed to the health ministry proposal to declare Wednesday and Thursday public holidays all over the country to protect public health,” the official IRNA news agency quoted government spokesman Ali Bahadori Jahromi as saying.
It said the decision was taken because of “unprecedented heat” sweeping the country.
The ministry has additionally issued a caution regarding the potential hazards of heatstroke resulting from excessive sun exposure, and has advised individuals to remain indoors during the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Also, the incidence of heat-related illnesses in recent days has been labelled as “alarming” by health ministry spokesman Pedram Pakain.
