Record heat index measured in Iran but unverified
A record heat index has been recorded by a weather station in the south of Iran as It reported a heat index of 82.2°C and a dew point of 36.1°C. If confirmed, it would be the highest such reading ever recorded on the planet, meteorologist said on 28th August.
The extreme temperature readings were reported at an airport weather station with an air temperature of 38.9°C and 85% relative humidity that produced the “unprecedented” heat index number. America-based meteorologist Colin McCarthy said on social media that an official investigation would be needed to verify the data to ensure accuracy. He expressed some scepticism as he noted that other weather stations in the area were reporting far lower dew points, mainly around the low 30s.
He did however confirm that a historic heatwave had been occurring across much of the Middle East. One weather station in Dhahran in Saudi Arabia holds the current world record for dew point of 35°C and in recent days has recorded dew points as high as 33.9°C.
The heat index is also called the “feels like” temperature. This is because it combines both air temperature and humidity to establish how hot it may feel like to the human body, similar to wind chill in cold weather.
If these readings are verified, they would surpass the existing record heat index, highlighting the extreme heat that has affected the region. Climate scientists warn that extreme heat events similar to this will likely become more common and intense as a result of climate change.
The Iranian Meteorological Organisation expects a gradual increase in temperature starting in the coming days but says that the intensity will not match the recent extreme heat. Over the next few days, strong winds are expected to come from northeastern, eastern, southeastern, central, northwestern and southwestern regions, as well as the southern slopes of the Alborz mountains. These could create dust storms and affect air quality in some parts of the country.
