Iran Shuts Schools and Offices Amid Severe Cold Snap

AFP/APP

Tehran: Authorities in Iran have ordered the closure of schools and government offices in at least 10 provinces on Sunday to conserve energy as a severe cold snap and heavy snowfall grip the country, state media reported.

Freezing temperatures in northern Iran over the past few days have led to a surge in energy consumption. “All government offices and schools are closed on Sunday, with remote learning arranged for students,” the state news agency IRNA announced.

The affected provinces include Lorestan in the west, Semnan in the east, and Gilan in the north. Some parts of Gilan, located about 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of Tehran, saw snowfall reach 220 centimeters (87 inches), meteorologist Mohammad Dadras told Fars news agency.

Sunday’s shutdown follows a similar measure on Saturday when authorities closed offices and schools in more than 20 of the country’s 31 provinces due to extreme weather. While Tehran also experienced closures on Saturday, schools and offices reopened on Sunday—despite continued wintry conditions.

IRNA reported that some areas of the capital received up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) of snow overnight, leading to widespread traffic disruptions. While some residents struggled to clear snow, others took the opportunity to enjoy snowball fights in city parks.

Snowfall and heavy rain have caused road closures across most of the country, with travel disruptions reported in 25 provinces. The heaviest impacts were seen in the north and west, where authorities advised people to stay home for the next 24 hours.

Temperatures in at least 19 provinces dropped to zero degrees Celsius or lower on Sunday, according to IRNA. It is common for Iran to shut down educational institutions and offices during winter due to extreme weather and fuel shortages.