Iran's Extreme Weather

Heat waves are one of the most extreme weather conditions Iran faces. Last year, Iran's heat index was off the charts. The city of Bandar Mahshahr had a  heat index level of 165 and the actual air temperature was 115 degrees with a dew point temperature of 90. Bandar Mahshahr lies adjacent to the Persian Gulf in southwest Iran where water temperatures are in the 90s. Such high temperatures lead to some of the most oppressive humidity levels in the world when wind blows off the sweltry water. It's extreme heat values occurred as a punishing heat wave engulfed the Middle East. Acuu Weather meteorologist Anthony Salgiani said in a statement,"That was one of the most incredible temperature observations I have ever seen, and it is one of the most extreme readings in the world." He also said a strong ridge of high pressure had persisted over the Middle East through much of July, resulting in the extreme heat wave in what many would consider the hottest places in the world. That same week, Baghdad sweltered an all time high record with temperatures reaching 124 degrees. The heat was so bad that Iraq's Council of Ministers declared a four-day mandatory holiday through out the country.

 

Iran also consists of extreme dust/ sand storms. On June 2, 2014, a massive dust storm took place in Tehran. Five men were killed and at least 30 people injured. It also damaged several automobiles and electric lines. It's winds reached up to 110km/h, knocking over trees and breaking windows as well. A shopkeeper from Iran told news agency, "It was a horrible storm and everywhere went dark." Dust storms also impose serious public health risks. If fine dust particles are inhaled and penetrated into the lungs, it can result in infections, respiratory difficulties, and cardiovascular problems. Protesters are coming about due to the way their government is handling such issues. A large group of people in the city of Ahwaz, the capital of Iran's oil rich Khuzestan province, gathered in protest at the government's handling of the environmental crisis. Protesters demanded the administration of President Hassan Rouhani to act, holding up cards saying that "healthy air is our right".

Sources:
Dehghan, Saeed Kamali. "Unprecedented Dust Storm Sparks Protests in Western Iran." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 2015. Web. 15 Apr. 2016.

"Iran Sandstorm Kills at Least Four in Tehran - BBC News." BBC News. Web. 15 Apr. 2016.

"Feels-Like Temp Reaches 164 Degrees in Iran, 159 in Iraq; Days Off Ordered as Mideast Broils in Extreme Heat Wave." The Weather Channel. Web. 15 Apr. 2016.

Service , Forecast National Weather. "Iran City Hits Suffocating Heat Index of 165 Degrees, near World Record." Washington Post. The Washington Post. Web. 15 Apr. 2016.