Authorities in Urmia province have announced the closure of all public and private schools, as well as government offices, due to a significant drop in temperature and severe weather conditions. The decision was confirmed on Monday by Amir Abbas Jafari, the Director General of Crises in the province, through official Iranian media channels.

The only exception to the closure is the banking sector, with banks remaining open but operating with employees working in shifts. Jafari emphasized the importance of caution and energy conservation during the ongoing cold spell, urging residents to limit their consumption of gas and electricity to prevent service interruptions.

“Although the temperature has dropped to minus two degrees Celsius, it is essential to reduce gas usage and alleviate pressure on the electrical grid to avoid outages,” Jafari stated.

The adverse weather, marked by heavy snowfall, has led to significant disruptions in road accessibility and traffic flow across the province. Many primary and secondary roads are either fully closed or face severe traffic challenges, complicating travel within and between cities.

Jafari advised residents to refrain from unnecessary travel to ensure their safety during the extreme weather conditions. “Due to the snow wave affecting the province, many roads have been closed or are experiencing major traffic challenges,” he noted.

Urmia, located in the mountainous region of East Kurdistan, frequently experiences harsh winters. In recent years, similar weather events have tested the province’s infrastructure and energy supply systems, raising concerns about the region’s preparedness to handle extreme weather conditions.

The current cold spell highlights ongoing challenges in managing essential services during harsh winters, with officials stressing the need for energy conservation and caution among residents.