Iranian village hits Earth's highest heat index ever recorded at 82.2°C

A village on the southern coast of Iran might have experienced extreme heat this week, with a weather station at Dayrestan Airport reporting a heat index of 82.2°C on August 28, according to the United States National Weather Service. If this temperature is confirmed, it could mark the highest heat index ever recorded on Earth.

The temperature in the area was said to be38.9°C (102°F) with 85 per cent humidity, which created this unprecedented heat index at 10:30 am (local time) on August 28.US-based meteorologist Colin McCarthy has called for an official investigation to confirm the accuracy of these readings. He expressed some doubts, noting that other weather stations in the region reported much lower dew points.

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“An official investigation will need to be completed to determine if these readings are accurate,” McCarthy wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“However, a historic heatwave is occurring across much of the Middle East, and one weather station in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia—which currently holds the world record dew point of 95°F (35°C)—has recorded a dew point as high as 93°F (33.9°C) in recent days,” he added.

How does38.9°C temperature,85% humidity combine to createheat index of 82.2°C?

The temperature alone may not seem as concerning, but when combined with 85 per centhumidity, it results in a heat index of 82.2°C, which is how hot it feels to the human body.

Higher temperatures are usually observed in dry areas where humidity is lower, making the heat feel less intense. In contrast, in humid conditions, the body struggles to cool down because sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily, causing the body to feel hotter. Prolonged exposure to a heat index between 40-54°C can lead to heatstroke.

Although these records are still awaiting verification, a significant heatwave has gripped much of West Asia in recent weeks, pushing temperatures in the region up to 50°C.

(With inputs from agencies)