Tehran – Iranian authorities ordered the closure of schools and government offices in at least 10 provinces on February 9 as the country grapples with freezing temperatures and record snowfall, state media reported.
The decision was made to conserve energy, following a sharp rise in consumption due to the extreme cold gripping northern Iran in recent days. According to the state news agency IRNA, remote learning has been arranged for students.
Among the affected provinces are Lorestan in the west, Semnan in the east, and Gilan in the north, where some areas recorded snow depths of up to 220cm, meteorologist Mohammad Dadras told Fars News Agency.
This move follows similar closures on February 8, when over 20 provinces, including the capital Tehran, were shut down. While Tehran reopened on February 9, it still experienced up to 30cm of snow, causing widespread traffic disruptions.
Residents across the city were seen shoveling sidewalks and enjoying snowball fights in parks, despite the travel difficulties. Officials have advised against traveling to 25 provinces, particularly in the north and west, due to ongoing snowfall and road blockages.
With temperatures dropping to 0°C or lower in at least 19 provinces, Iran continues to implement seasonal closures to manage fuel shortages and extreme weather conditions.