Frost in the North, Sandstorm in the South; School and Office Closures in 19 Provinces

Adverse weather conditions across various regions of Iran on Sunday, December 16, disrupted the daily lives of citizens, leading to closures in more than nineteen provinces. Severe storms and dangerous air pollution in the south and west of Iran, combined with extreme cold in the north and northeast, have created widespread problems for the people. This comes as a winter wave exacerbates gas shortages and power outages, with planned blackouts starting in most areas of the country. According to reports from Iranian news agencies, cities such as Ahvaz, Hoveyzeh, Abadan, Khorramshahr, Shadgan, and Masjed Soleyman in Khuzestan province were in a 'dangerous' state on Sunday. The decline in air quality and horizontal visibility dropping to 100 meters in some areas has severely threatened citizens' health, leading to school and office closures. In Zabol, a storm with a speed of 104 kilometers per hour reduced visibility to 50 meters, while in Zahedan, wind speeds reached 61 kilometers per hour. These storms have not only created traffic issues but have also made living conditions in these areas more difficult. Simultaneously, snow and frost in the northern part of the country have blocked the Kandovan road, and traffic restrictions in this area continue. Despite alternative routes being open via Haraz and Savadkuh roads, the risk of cold and frost remains high. Mashhad also experienced snowfall, causing flight disruptions at the city's airport for several hours. As adverse weather conditions persist, winter service groups have been clearing runways at airports in cities like Tabriz, Ardabil, Rasht, Arak, and Mashhad since Saturday night. Despite heavy snowfall and severe cold in many provinces, the winter operations headquarters of the airports company has announced that all airports in the country are operational, although passengers should check flight information before traveling. Due to the adverse weather conditions, schools and offices in 18 provinces, including those in the northern half of the country and the provinces of Khuzestan, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Khorasan, were closed on Sunday, with some provinces also declaring closures for Monday. This difficult weather situation coincides with the country's gas and electricity shortages. According to Mohsen Zabihih, deputy of Tavanir Company, planned blackouts began on Saturday, December 15. The reasons for this crisis include increased household gas consumption due to cold weather, reduced fuel delivery to power plants, and a lack of liquid fuel for electricity generation. Abbas Karimi, secretary of the power plant trade association, has warned that if sufficient fuel is not provided, electricity supply restrictions will continue until the end of winter. This situation has led to power outages, disruptions in daily life, school closures, and reduced access to essential services in various cities. An eyewitness from Tehran told Voice of America that frequent power outages have disrupted work in companies and offices, leading to internet and even water cuts in some apartment units. He added that the closure of schools and kindergartens has put significant pressure on working parents. Energy problems, in addition to increased consumption, stem from mismanagement and reduced energy reserves. Reports indicate that a lack of adequate planning in the energy sector, sanctions, drought, budget deficits, and even cryptocurrency mining have exacerbated gas and electricity shortages. The electricity crisis in Iran; investors regret their activities in the electricity industry amid pollution and blackouts; Tehran ranks third in the world. Power cuts 'without notice' in Iran; eyewitness: we have fallen behind in work and life.