A village on the southern coast of Iran may have experienced a record-breaking heat index this week. According to the US National Weather Service, a weather station at Dayrestan Airport reported a staggering heat index of 82.2°C on August 28, 2024. This temperature, if verified, could represent the highest heat index ever recorded on Earth.
On August 28, the temperature in the area was 38.9°C (102°F) with 85% humidity, creating the unprecedented heat index of 82.2°C at 10:30 AM. The heat index reflects how hot it feels to the human body when humidity is factored into the actual temperature.
US-based meteorologist Colin McCarthy has called for an official investigation to verify these readings, noting some skepticism due to significantly lower dew point reports from other weather stations in the region. “An official investigation will need to be completed to determine if these readings are accurate,” McCarthy stated on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Middle East is currently experiencing a historic heatwave, with reports of extremely high temperatures and dew points. For instance, a weather station in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia—currently holding the world record dew point of 95°F (35°C)—recently recorded a dew point of 93°F (33.9°C).
The combination of 38.9°C temperature and 85% humidity results in a heat index of 82.2°C. The heat index measures how hot it feels when humidity is considered. Higher temperatures in dry areas usually feel less intense because sweat evaporates more easily. However, in humid conditions, sweat evaporates less efficiently, making it feel much hotter to the body. Prolonged exposure to such high heat indices can lead to heatstroke.
While these extreme records await official verification, the significant heatwave affecting much of West Asia continues, with temperatures soaring up to 50°C in recent weeks.