A weather station in southern Iran has reported a staggering heat index of 82.2°C (180°F), raising concerns and prompting investigations into the accuracy of the reading. This unprecedented temperature, if confirmed, would surpass all previous records and mark the highest ever recorded on Earth. The data, released by the US National Weather Service, shows that the air temperature in the region near Dayrestan Airport on Thursday was 38.9°C (102°F) with 85% relative humidity, contributing to the extreme heat index.
Meteorologist Colin McCarthy, based in the US, has called for an official investigation into the data. He expressed skepticism, noting that other weather stations in the area reported significantly lower dew points, primarily in the low 30s Celsius. “An official investigation will need to be completed to determine if these readings are accurate,” McCarthy stated on X, formerly known as Twitter. “However, a historic heatwave is occurring across much of the Middle East, and one weather station in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia—which currently holds the world record dew point of 95°F (35°C)—has recorded a dew point as high as 93°F (33.9°C) in recent days,” he added.
If verified, the record-breaking heat in Iran would underscore the extreme conditions affecting the region and emphasize the urgency of addressing the global climate crisis. Climate scientists warn that such extreme heat events are becoming increasingly frequent due to global warming.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Meteorological Organization has issued a warning of rising temperatures starting August 31st, although they assured that the intensity would not match the extreme temperature recorded on August 28th. The agency predicts partly cloudy skies and potential afternoon showers and thunderstorms in Tehran on September 5th.
Authorities in Iran and neighboring countries have issued heat warnings, urging residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. The conflict-ridden Middle East has been grappling with an unprecedented heatwave in recent weeks, with temperatures in Iraq and Iran soaring to nearly 50°C (122°F). The extreme heat has also caused widespread electricity failures across the region, adding to the challenges as people prepare for the annual Arba’een pilgrimage in Iraq.
With the world witnessing increasingly extreme weather events, the reported record-breaking heat in Iran serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action to combat climate change and mitigate its devastating impacts.
