Heavy Snow, Rainfall In Iran Bring A Measure Of Hope Amid Drought

Heavy snowfall and rainfall are causing significant disruptions in 11 provinces across Iran, intensifying concerns about potential road closures and transportation challenges.

The weather development is critical as it comes amid heightened anxieties over a prolonged drought in the country.

Ahmad Shirani, Chief of Information and Traffic Control Center of the Police, confirmed on Saturday that snowfall and rainfall have affected highways in East Azarbaijan, West Azarbaijan, Kordestan, Ardabil, Mazandaran, Alborz, Zanjan, Tehran, Lorestan, Kermanshah, and Hamedan provinces. He urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to ensure safety during adverse weather conditions.

The Meteorological Organization issued a red-level warning for heavy snowfall, signaling the potential for blocked transportation routes in four provinces. Hamedan province, in particular, reported significant snowfall in some areas, compounding challenges for residents and authorities.

Prior to the recent weather events, the spokesperson for the water industry, Isa Bozorgzadeh, stated in a press conference on Monday that Iran is experiencing its fourth consecutive dry year, with the country's precipitation in the current water year measured at 48.2 millimeters showing a 40% shortfall from the required 80 millimeters for normal conditions.

The usually wetter northern provinces are also experiencing inadequate rainfall.

Between mid-March and April 2018, extensive flash flooding wreaked havoc in numerous regions of Iran. Over a span of two weeks, Iran faced three significant waves of rain and flooding, causing inundation in at least 26 out of the country's 31 provinces killing at least 70.

It is crucial to note that the floods experienced in 2018 provided only temporary respite, emphasizing the need for a sustained period of precipitation extending over several months to bring substantial relief this year.