In response to a relentless and “unprecedented” heatwave, Iran’s government has declared Wednesday and Thursday as public holidays, urging the elderly and those with underlying health conditions to remain indoors. The announcement came as many cities in southern Iran suffered from days of sweltering heat, with temperatures exceeding 51 degrees Celsius (123 Fahrenheit) in some areas.

The southern city of Ahvaz was particularly hard-hit, where state media reported temperatures surpassing 51 degrees Celsius this week. Such extreme weather conditions have raised serious concerns about public health and safety, especially among vulnerable populations.

Government spokesman Ali Bahadori-Jahromi was quoted by state media as saying, “The heat has reached levels that our country has never seen before. To ensure the well-being of our citizens, Wednesday and Thursday will be treated as public holidays.”

The health ministry has put hospitals on high alert and announced additional measures to help citizens cope with the heat. Cooling centers have been set up in various cities, and authorities are distributing water and other essentials in affected areas.

Moreover, power consumption has surged as citizens turn to air conditioning and fans to cool off, putting a strain on the country’s energy grid. The government has requested that citizens conserve energy wherever possible.

The capital city of Tehran is also expected to experience elevated temperatures, reaching around 39 degrees Celsius (102.2 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday. The government’s directive to stay indoors and the announcement of public holidays extend to the capital, where businesses and schools will remain closed.

Heatwaves have become a global phenomenon in recent weeks, affecting large parts of Europe, North America, and other regions. The relentless rise in temperatures has alarmed scientists and environmentalists, who have increasingly linked these extreme weather patterns to human-induced climate change.

International agencies, including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), have been monitoring the situation closely. Scientists warn that the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are likely to increase if global warming continues unabated.

The Iranian government’s response reflects a growing recognition of the immediate and potentially catastrophic effects of climate change. Similar heat-related emergencies have been declared in other countries, highlighting the need for coordinated global efforts to mitigate the impacts of rising temperatures.

The exceptional heat in Iran is part of a larger pattern of extreme weather that has become a pressing concern worldwide. The country’s decision to declare public holidays in response to the heatwave is an urgent measure to protect its citizens. But it also underscores the broader challenges posed by climate change, requiring concerted action and international cooperation to address a problem that knows no borders.

As scientists and policymakers grapple with the long-term solutions to climate change, the Iranian heatwave stands as a stark reminder of the immediate threats that a warming planet poses to people all over the world. Governments, organizations, and individuals must work together to develop and implement strategies that can help mitigate these risks and create a more sustainable future.