Shahrud Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Iran

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Shahrud is characterized by hot and arid conditions, with average temperatures hovering around 35°C (95°F). The days are typically long and sunny, with little to no rainfall. The nights, however, offer some relief from the heat, with temperatures dropping to around 20°C (68°F). Summer is an ideal time for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and swimming.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Shahrud is cold and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 0°C (32°F) to 10°C (50°F). Snowfall is common during this period, especially at higher elevations. The nights are particularly cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Winter is the perfect time to cozy up indoors and enjoy the warmth of a fireplace or engage in winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding.

Average Monthly Temperature

Shahrud, a city in Iran, experiences significant variations in temperature throughout the year. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 1.5°C (34.7°F). During this time, temperatures can regularly drop below freezing, with occasional snowfall. In contrast, the warmest month is July, with an average temperature reaching 29.5°C (85.9°F). During the summer, temperatures can soar to over 40°C (104°F), creating hot and dry conditions.

Seasonal Variations

The spring and fall months in Shahrud offer pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). April and May offer mild springtime conditions, while October and November provide a comfortable autumn season. During these transitional months, the city experiences a balance of sunshine and occasional precipitation, creating favorable conditions for outdoor activities. However, it’s worth noting that the temperature can fluctuate within the seasons, especially during the shoulder months, leading to occasional warm or cold spells.

Types of Clouds Observed

Shahrud, a city in Iran, experiences a variety of cloud formations throughout the year. During the summer months, towering cumulus clouds often dominate the sky, casting large, defined shadows on the landscape. These clouds are characterized by their flat bases and bulbous tops, resembling white cotton balls. As the day progresses, cumulus clouds may further develop into cumulonimbus clouds, bringing with them the possibility of thunderstorms. In contrast, during the cooler months, stratus clouds are commonly observed. These low-lying clouds form a uniform, gray layer that covers the sky, often resulting in overcast conditions.

Influence on Weather Patterns

The presence and type of clouds significantly impact the weather patterns in Shahrud. Cumulus clouds indicate fair weather conditions with occasional showers, while cumulonimbus clouds herald potentially severe weather events such as thunderstorms and hail. Stratus clouds, on the other hand, often bring overcast and drizzly weather. Moreover, the altitude at which clouds form also influences precipitation. High-altitude cirrocumulus clouds, composed of ice crystals, typically do not produce rain or snow. In contrast, low-altitude clouds, such as stratus and cumulus, often signal the possibility of precipitation. The interaction between different cloud formations and air currents determines the specific weather patterns experienced in Shahrud throughout the year.

Monthly Precipitation

Shahrud experiences significant seasonal variations in precipitation. During the cold and wet season, from October to May, Shahrud receives the majority of its annual precipitation. The wettest months are December, January, and February, with an average monthly precipitation of over 30 mm. Snowfall is common during this period, especially in the mountainous areas surrounding the city.

Annual Precipitation

The annual precipitation in Shahrud varies slightly from year to year. However, the long-term average is approximately 250 mm. This amount is considered relatively low compared to other regions in Iran and is primarily due to Shahrud’s location in a semi-arid region. The city’s proximity to the Dasht-e Kavir desert also influences its low humidity and overall aridity.

Average Annual Rainfall

Shahrud, Iran, experiences an arid climate, with an average annual rainfall of around 150 millimeters (5.9 inches). This precipitation is distributed unevenly throughout the year, with most falling during the winter and spring months. During the summer months, rainfall is scarce, leading to dry conditions and a high risk of drought.

Spatial Distribution of Rainfall

The rainfall distribution in Shahrud is influenced by the topography of the region. The city is located at the base of the Alborz Mountains, which act as a barrier to moisture-carrying clouds. As a result, the northern and eastern parts of the city receive slightly higher rainfall than the southern and western regions. However, the overall rainfall variability is relatively low, and most of the city experiences similar levels of precipitation.

Causes of Heavy Snowfall in Shahrud

The heavy snowfall in Shahrud is primarily attributed to its unique geographical location. Situated in the north-central highlands of Iran, Shahrud is nestled amidst the Alborz Mountains and the Dasht-e Kavir desert. This position exposes the city to both moist air from the Caspian Sea and cold, dry air from continental Asia. When these air masses converge, they create conditions conducive to heavy snowfall. Additionally, the city’s elevation of over 1,300 meters increases the likelihood of precipitation falling as snow, rather than rain.

Impact of Heavy Snowfall in Shahrud

The heavy snowfall in Shahrud poses significant challenges to the city’s infrastructure and daily life. Transportation is severely disrupted, as roads become impassable and vehicles are immobilized. Snow accumulation on buildings and power lines can lead to structural damage and power outages. The cold temperatures also pose health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children. Emergency services often struggle to reach those in need due to the treacherous road conditions.

Daily Sunrise and Sunset Times

Shahrud experiences distinct variations in sunrise and sunset times throughout the year due to its location and the Earth’s rotation. Sunrise typically occurs between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM, with the earliest sunrise observed around June 21st. Conversely, sunset times range from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with the latest sunset occurring around December 22nd. These times are influenced by the Earth’s tilt and the position of the sun in the celestial sphere.

Seasonal Variations in Sunlight Duration

Shahrud’s geographic location in the Northern Hemisphere results in significant seasonal variations in sunlight duration. During summer months from June to August, the days are longer with up to 14 hours of daylight. The longest day occurs around June 21st, known as the summer solstice. In contrast, winter months from December to February experience shorter days with only 9-10 hours of daylight. The shortest day falls around December 22nd, known as the winter solstice. These variations in sunlight duration impact the weather, agricultural activities, and daily routines of the local population.

Lunar Phases in Shahrud

The moon’s appearance in Shahrud, Iran, goes through cyclical phases throughout the month. These phases are determined by the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. During the new moon phase, the Moon is located between the Earth and the Sun, rendering it invisible from Earth. Gradually, the Moon progresses to the waxing crescent phase, followed by the first quarter phase, when it becomes half-illuminated. As it continues its orbit, the Moon enters the waxing gibbous phase before reaching the full moon phase, when its entire face is illuminated by the Sun.

The full moon is a prominent sight in Shahrud’s night sky, casting a bright glow over the city. After the full moon, the Moon enters the waning gibbous phase, followed by the third quarter phase, when it is again half-illuminated. It then transitions to the waning crescent phase before returning to the new moon phase, completing the lunar cycle that lasts approximately 29.5 days. The timing and appearance of these phases can vary slightly throughout the year due to Earth’s elliptical orbit around the Sun.

Annual Humidity Patterns

Shahrud, located in the northeast of Iran, generally experiences low humidity levels throughout the year. The average annual relative humidity is about 42%, indicating a relatively dry climate. However, humidity levels vary seasonally, with the highest humidity occurring in winter months (December to February), when they can reach up to an average of 60%. During summer months (June to August), humidity levels typically drop to an average of approximately 25%, resulting in a drier atmosphere.

Seasonal Variations

The seasonal variations in humidity are primarily influenced by changes in temperature and precipitation. During winter, lower temperatures lead to reduced evaporation, which in turn increases humidity levels. Additionally, winter months often bring occasional precipitation in the form of rain or snow, further contributing to the increase in humidity. In contrast, during summer, higher temperatures promote rapid evaporation, reducing humidity levels. The absence of significant precipitation during the summer months further intensifies the dryness.

Wind Regime in Shahrud

Shahrud, a city located in the arid region of northeast Iran, experiences a predominantly dry and windy climate. The city’s wind regime is characterized by strong winds throughout the year, particularly during the summer months. Due to its proximity to the high-pressure cold front originating from the Caspian Sea, Shahrud encounters northwesterly to southwesterly winds known as “Sard-e Arvand.” These winds bring cold temperatures and often carry dust and sand particles, creating dusty conditions and affecting visibility.

Impact of Wind on Shahrud

The strong winds in Shahrud have a significant impact on the city’s environment and human activities. The constant wind movement accelerates the evaporation process, resulting in a dry climate and low humidity. The winds also contribute to soil erosion, as the constant movement of soil particles over the semi-arid landscape can lead to desertification. Additionally, the winds can cause damage to infrastructure, such as power lines and communication towers, particularly during the summer months when the winds are at their strongest.

Spring (March-May)

Spring in Shahrud is a season of renewal and beauty. The snow-capped peaks of the Alborz Mountains begin to melt, feeding the lush meadows and vibrant wildflowers that adorn the landscape. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, ranging between 20-25 degrees Celsius, and rainshowers provide sporadic relief from the sunny skies.

The springtime scenery is breathtaking. The desert plateaus surrounding Shahrud transform into fields of vibrant colors, including poppies, tulips, and irises. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blossoming fruit trees and wildflowers, creating an enchanting atmosphere. This is an ideal time to explore the city’s historic sites, such as the Tomb of Bayazid Bastami and the Shahroud Bazaar, amidst the blooming surroundings.

Solar Potential and Development

Shahrud, situated in central Iran, boasts a remarkable solar energy potential. The city experiences high levels of solar irradiation throughout the year, with an average of 5.5 peak sunlight hours per day. Recognizing this potential, the Iranian government has actively promoted solar energy development in Shahrud. The city has witnessed the establishment of several solar parks and the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on rooftops and public spaces. These projects have significantly contributed to the city’s renewable energy portfolio.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

The transition to solar energy in Shahrud has yielded numerous environmental and economic benefits. Solar power generation reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and mitigating climate change impacts. Additionally, solar energy is a cost-effective source of electricity, helping to lower energy costs for businesses and residents. The development of solar projects has also created job opportunities in the clean energy sector, contributing to the local economy. By embracing solar energy, Shahrud is not only addressing its energy needs but also promoting a sustainable and prosperous future for its citizens.

Topography of Shahrud, Iran

The topography of Shahrud, Iran, is characterized by a diverse landscape that encompasses towering mountains, sprawling deserts, and fertile valleys. The city of Shahrud is situated at an elevation of 1,375 meters above sea level, within the vast Alborz mountain range. To the north, the majestic Mount Damāvand rises to an impressive height of 5,671 meters, forming a prominent landmark that dominates the skyline of the region. The surrounding mountains create a breathtaking panorama, with rugged peaks and intricate geological formations.

Beyond the mountainous terrain, the topography of Shahrud transitions into a semi-arid desert landscape. The Dasht-e Kavir, one of Iran’s largest deserts, stretches to the east and south of the city, covering vast expanses with rolling sand dunes and sparse vegetation. The absence of significant water sources in this region has shaped its unique desert ecosystem. Scattered among the desert are isolated oases that provide respite for both human and animal life. In contrast, the western parts of Shahrud are characterized by fertile valleys, watered by the Shahrud River and its tributaries. These valleys serve as a lifeline for agriculture, supporting the cultivation of crops such as wheat, barley, and grapes. The distinct topographic features of Shahrud offer a diverse and captivating natural environment that has influenced its history, settlement patterns, and economic activities.

Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani Airport

Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani Airport (IATA: IKA) is located in the city of Shahrud, Iran. It is the main airport serving the city and the surrounding area. The airport is named after Seyyed Mohammad Reza Ashrafi Esfahani, a prominent Iranian cleric and politician who was assassinated in 1981.

Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani Airport has one runway, which is 3,320 meters long. The airport is capable of handling a variety of aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The airport has a small passenger terminal, which includes a check-in area, a security checkpoint, and a baggage claim area. There are also a few shops and restaurants in the terminal.

The airport is located about 10 kilometers from the center of Shahrud. There are a number of transportation options available for travelers who need to get to or from the airport. These options include taxis, buses, and private cars.

History and Culture:

Shahrud, an ancient city nestled in the northeastern region of Iran, boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture that spans centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the Parthian era, and the city has witnessed the rise and fall of various empires, including the Safavids, Qajars, and Pahlavis. Shahrud’s historical significance is evident in its architectural heritage, with remnants of ancient mosques, madrassas, and caravanserais gracing the city. Additionally, the city is renowned for its exquisite traditional handicrafts, including carpet weaving, pottery, and metalwork, which showcase the artistic prowess of its inhabitants.

Economic and Educational Hub:

Today, Shahrud thrives as a major economic and educational hub in Iran. It serves as a key agricultural center, producing a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, and saffron. The city also boasts a robust industrial sector, with industries ranging from textiles to petrochemicals. Shahrud is home to several reputable educational institutions, including the University of Shahrud and the Islamic Azad University of Shahrud. These institutions attract students from across the region and contribute to the city’s dynamic intellectual environment. The city’s strategic location on the main transportation routes connecting Tehran to the northeast has further enhanced its economic and educational importance.