A weather station in southern Iran has reported an unprecedented heat index of 82.2°C (180°F) alongside a dew point of 36.1°C (97°F) on August 28, which, if validated, would mark the highest such measurements ever recorded globally, according to meteorologists.
The extreme figures were recorded at an airport weather station where the air temperature reached 38.9°C (102°F) with a relative humidity of 85%, resulting in the extraordinary heat index value.
Colin McCarthy, a meteorologist based in the United States, expressed skepticism on social media regarding the accuracy of the data. He suggested that an official investigation is necessary to confirm these readings, pointing out that other nearby weather stations have reported significantly lower dew points, mostly in the low 30s Celsius.
Despite doubts about the specific measurements, McCarthy confirmed that a historic heatwave is sweeping across much of the Middle East. For instance, a weather station in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia—which currently holds the world record dew point of 35°C (95°F)—has recently recorded dew points as high as 33.9°C (93°F).
The heat index, often referred to as the “feels like” temperature, combines air temperature and humidity to gauge how hot it feels to the human body. If these Iranian readings are verified, they would surpass previous records, highlighting the severe heat conditions impacting the region. Climate scientists have warned that such extreme heat events are expected to become more frequent and intense due to global warming.
Iran’s Meteorological Organisation anticipates a gradual rise in temperatures starting August 31. However, a weather expert stated that the intensity of the upcoming heat will not reach the extreme levels recently observed. Kobra Rafiei, a meteorologist with the organisation, told Mehr News Agency that although temperatures will continue to climb, “we will not experience a heat wave as intense as in previous days,” despite reports suggesting new records in the south.
Rafiei also mentioned that cooler temperatures are expected to persist until Friday across most parts of Iran. Over the next five days, strong winds are forecasted in the northeastern, eastern, southeastern, central, northwestern, and southwestern regions, including the southern slopes of the Alborz mountains. These winds could trigger dust storms and degrade air quality in certain areas.
Tehran, the capital, is projected to experience partly cloudy skies on Thursday with a possibility of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures in Tehran are expected to range from 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F) on Thursday and slightly cooler from 24°C to 33°C on Friday. Additionally, parts of the Sistan and Baluchestan province in southern Iran are likely to see rain showers and strong winds over the weekend of August 29.
This weather forecast comes amid a period of intense heat across much of the Middle East, with some regions, including Iraq and Iran, reporting temperatures nearing 50°C (122°F). The extreme heat has led to multiple electricity failures as residents prepare for the significant annual Arba’een pilgrimage in Iraq.
Arba’een attracts one of the world’s largest religious gatherings and is often described as the most extensive movement of men, women, and children globally. It occurs 40 days after Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the third Shia Imam. Seen as a more accessible and affordable alternative to the annual Hajj in Saudi Arabia—where participation is limited by strict quotas—Arba’een has grown in popularity among Shi’ite Iranians, Afghans, and Pakistanis. Pilgrims travel to the shrines of their saints in Iraq, congregating in the holy city of Karbala, located 100 kilometers southwest of Baghdad.
Climate scientists continue to emphasize that global warming is likely to increase the frequency and severity of such extreme heat events, urging authorities and residents to take necessary precautions against heat-related health risks.