Iran shuts down in the face of blistering heat

Blistering temperatures across several provinces in Iran led the government to declare a public holiday on Wednesday, a step taken to protect citizens and a power grid that critics say is aging and mismanaged.

TEHRAN — Blistering temperatures across several provinces in Iran led the government to declare a public holiday on Wednesday, a step taken to protect citizens and a power grid that critics say is aging and mismanaged.

Temperatures soared over 125 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the country, and banks, businesses and government offices in the capital, Tehran, shut down. Similar public holidays have been announced in recent years due to sweltering heat.

The extreme temperatures have put a strain on the country’s power infrastructure, which was already reeling from devastating attacks by Israel during a 12-day war, and could develop into a full-blown water and energy crisis.

Tehran resident Mahsa Karimi, 35, took her 6-month-old son to the doctor at a clinic in the city and found there was no electricity.

“I couldn’t stand it so I just turned around and went home,” she told NBC News.