Due to a heat wave across the country, the Iranian government has declared a national holiday on Wednesday and Thursday.

The government claims the move is to safeguard the well-being of its citizens as soaring temperatures continue to pose health risks, though it raises questions as to the country's readiness for a crisis amidst an already overburdened health system.

Last month, Iran International reported that the system needs 60,000 personnel to cope with rising demands amidst a collapsing economy and a disappearing workforce. 

Ali Bahadori Jahromi, the government's spokesperson, took to Twitter on Tuesday to announce the decision, stating, "In view of the unprecedented heat in the current days, in order to protect the health of the citizens, the government agreed with the proposal of the Ministry of Health to close on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the country."

Sadegh Ziyaian, the head of the National Center for Forecasting and Crisis Management of Weather Risks, reported an alarming increase in temperatures. The southern city of Ahvaz in particular is expected to experience temperatures of up to 50 and 51 degrees celsius during Tuesday and Wednesday, becoming the hottest center of the province.

Ziyaian also warned that the capital, Tehran, will witness temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

In light of the extreme weather conditions, the Ministry of Health issued a public advisory, urging special attention to vulnerable groups. Children under four years old, individuals over 65 years old, and those with pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk of heatstroke.