52.8°C And Rising: Iran's Deadly Heatwave Sparks 'Irreversible' Water Crisis

Last Updated:July 22, 2025, 17:22 IST

Iran faces its hottest week with temperatures above 50°C as authorities urged water conservation and declared emergency holidays.

Shabankareh recorded a staggering 52.8°C- potentially the hottest temperature globally so far this year.

Iranian authorities called on the public to curb water consumption as the country faced its hottest week of the year and a deepening water crisis. With temperatures soaring above 50°C in most parts of the country, officials declared emergency holidays, reduced water supplies in some regions and begun negotiations with neighbouring countries to import water.

According to Iran’s national meteorological service, the southwestern city of Shabankareh recorded a staggering temperature of 52.8°C- potentially the hottest temperature globally so far this year. Other cities, including Abadan and Ahwaz, also reported extreme highs, while the capital Tehran reached 41°C.

Drought, Dam Failures And Widespread Blackouts

The soaring temperatures come amid a prolonged five-year drought that has pushed Iran’s water infrastructure to its limits. Hundreds of dams built since the 1950s have seen reduced output further straining water and electricity supplies. Abbas Aliabadi, Iran’s minister of energy, said that the government is in talks with Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to explore options for importing water.

Power cuts have become increasingly frequent due to the heat and depleted water reservoirs needed for hydroelectric energy. Iran government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani announced a public holiday for Wednesday in Tehran province to help conserve power and water.

A Tehran resident told The Guardian that the heat has become physically unbearable. He said, “I feel the skin is going to burn. My shirt gets wet so quickly and I prefer to take a shower twice a day at this age amidst severe heat. Thank God, there is no water crisis where I live."

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the crisis during a cabinet meeting and issuing a stark warning. He said, as per state media, “The water crisis is more serious than what is being discussed today and if we do not take urgent action now, we will face a situation in the future for which no remedy can be found. In the water sector, beyond management and planning, we also need to address excessive consumption."

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News world 52.8°C And Rising: Iran's Deadly Heatwave Sparks 'Irreversible' Water Crisis