No Foreseeable Relief After Iran City Feels Like Exceptional 163 F

The air felt like an exceptional 163 F (73 C) in Bandar Mahshahr, Iran, on Friday, and no relief is expected in the foreseeable future.

Due to extreme heat and humidity, Bandar Mahshahr registered an apparent temperature of 154 F (68 C) on Thursday. "That was one of the most incredible temperature observations I have ever seen and it is one of the most extreme readings ever in the world," stated AccuWeather Meteorologist Anthony Sagliani.

However, such an exceptional apparent temperature outdid itself on Friday.

The combination of an actual temperature of 115 F (46 C) and a dew point temperature of 90 F (32 C) pushed the apparent temperature to 163 F (73 C) Friday afternoon local time. This reading would have been even higher if a breeze was not blowing, a factor in the calculation of the apparent temperature.

"A strong ridge of high pressure has persisted over the Middle East through much of July, resulting in the extreme heat wave in what many would consider one of the hottest places in the world," stated Sagliani.

Amid this heat wave, Baghdad experienced its all-time record high on Thursday when temperatures soared to 124 F (51 C).

"Around the Persian Gulf, where water temperatures are in the lower to middle 90s (30s C), the extreme heat combines with incredibly high humidity to produce astounding apparent temperatures," Sagliani continued in regards to the exceptional feeling heat around Bandar Mahshahr.

"As the land heats up around the Persian Gulf, the air rises quickly and rushes inland from the Gulf, creating an onshore wind that pulls humid air sitting over the waters into coastal communities," he added.

Water temperatures in the Persian Gulf are running a bit above normal, contributing to even higher than normal humidity.

"Believe it or not, it is always very humid in these places surrounding the Persian Gulf during the summer, but the nature of the extreme heat wave is causing some of the highest combinations of heat and humidity ever observed," he continued.

Relief from the oppressive heat and humidity in Bandar Mahshahr and along the Persian Gulf will not come anytime soon.

"Right now, it appears as though the ridge of high pressure will remain in place across the Middle East through at least the next week, so more oppressive heat and humidity, and more astounding apparent temperatures, are likely through the next several days," added Sagliani.

Residents are urged to use extreme caution amid this heat wave to avoid suffering a heat-related illness or succumbing to a heat-related death. Be sure to drink plenty of water, wear light clothing and seek out cooling centers.

Report a Typo